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^    JVi/iV9-     1045 

BR  1700  .B385 

Evangelical  Church.  Indiana 

Conference. 
Historical  data  and  life 

sketches  of  the  deceased 


Historical  Data 


AND 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  THE 
DECEASED  MINISTERS 

OF  THE 

Indiana  Conference  of  the 
Evangelical  Association 

1835  to  1915 


/ 

Compiled  by  S.   H.    BAUMGARTNER,   Conf.  Historian 
Edited  by  E.   W.   PRAETORIUS 

Published  by  the  Indiana  Conference,    1915 


Volume  I 


PUBLISHING   HOLSE   OF    IHK    KVANGEIJCAI,   ASSOCIATION 
CLEVELAND.    OHIO  C.    HALSER,    PUBLISHER 


Table  of  Contents. 


PAGE 

1.  Authentic  History  Prior  to  the  Organization  of  the  Indiana  Conference.  9 

2.  Organization  of  the  Indiana  Conference  and  Territorial  Extent 21 

3.  Map  of  the  Indiana  Conference  in   1902 Insert  24  -  25 

4.  Photo  of  the  Original  Indiana  Conference  in  1852   

Photo  of  the  Conference  of  1865,  with  Brief  History 25 

5.  Missionary  Operations  and  Expansion   27 

6.  J^ew  Missions,   Stations  and  Circuits   32 

7.  Conference  Church  Debt.     Photo  of  Conference  of  1901 37 

8.  Semi-Centennial    Anniversary    44 

9.  Presiding  Elders  and  Their  Districts  50 

10.  Presiding  Elder  Districts  and  the  Elders  That  Have  Served  Them 51 

11.  Ministers  of  the  Conference  and  the  Fields  They  Have  Served 56 

12.  Fields  of  Labor  in  the  Conference  and  the  Ministers  That  Served  Them.  72 

13.  Tablet  of  Our  Living  Ministers 96 

14.  Experiences  of  Our  Pioneer  Preachers'  Wives   99 

15.  Tablet  of  Our  Deceased  Ministers   101 

10.     Chronological  List  of  Our  Deceased  Ministers   104 

17.  Life  Sketches  of  Our  Deceased  Ministers 106 

18.  Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Indiana  Conference   319 

19.  Business  Eules  of  the  Indiana  Conference   321 

20.  Miscellaneous  Eules  and  Eegulations  adopted  by  the  Indiana  Conference.  322 

21.  Actions   of   the   Indiana   Conference   Eelative   to   the   College,   Seminary 

and  Endowment  Fund   325 

22.  Orphans '  Home  and  the  Indiana  Conference   329 

23.  Church  Extension  and  the  Indiana  Conference   331 

24.  Camp-Meeting  and  Oakwood  Park   332 

25.  Conference  Branch  Young  People 's  Alliance    333 

26.  District   Meetings    334 

27.  Conference  Committees    335 

28.  Preachers '  Salaries  in  Evolution    337 

29.  Donations  and  Bequests    340 

30.  Miscellany    344 

31.  Eeminiscences   350 

32.  General  Conference  Eesolutions    354 

33.  Lay  Delegation  to  Annual  Conference 356 

34.  Eegulations  and  Course  cf  Study  for  Junior  Preachers 359 

35.  Board  of  Examiners   363 

Si^i.     Student   Aid    363 

3 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

PAGET 

37.  Formation  of  the  Michigan  Conference   368 

38.  Formation  of  the  South  Indiana  Conference,  with  Brief  History 369 

39.  Bishops  that  Presided  at  the  Annual  Conferences   377-378 

40.  Tablet   of  the  Annual   Conferences    379 

41.  Conference  Officers    380 

42.  General  Conference  Delegates   381 

43.  Officers  of  the  Indiana  Conference  Missionarj-  Society  and  Delegates.  .  383 

44.  Societies  from  which  Our  Preachers  Came    384 

45.  Preachers  Licensed  by  the  Indiana  Conference 387 

46.  Preachers  Received  from  Other  Conferences,  and  Churches 390 

47.  Preachers  Ordained  as  Deacons 391 

48.  Preachers   Ordained   as   Elders    392 

49.  Credentials  Voted  to  Ministers  by  the  Indiana  Conference 394 

50.  Errata     395- 


FOREWORD 

The  writing  of  a  history,  such  as  this,  is  a  vast  and  tedious 
undertaking.  To  portray  accurately  and  impartially  the  begin- 
nings and  progress  of  our  Conference,  in  the  face  of  meagerly- 
kept  records,  is  surely  a  herculean  task.  Many  and  diverse  have 
been  the  sources  of  our  information,  long  and  tedious  the  examina- 
tion of  records  and  periodicals.  Most  of  our  data  was  extracted 
from  the  "History  of  the  Evangelical  Association,"  the  CJiristliche 
Botschafter,  the  "Proceedings  of  the  Various  Sessions  of  the  In- 
diana Conference,"  and  the  "Brief  History  and  Life  Sketches  of 
the  Indiana  Conference  by  D.  S.  Oakes." 

The  material  for  the  life-sketches  of  our  deceased  brethren 
had  to  be  gathered  from  friends  and  relatives,  for,  with  very  few 
exceptions,  none  of  them  left  any  diary.  And  those  who  did  leave 
a  full  record  of  their  lives,  abbreviation  was  necessary. 

The  task  was  greatly  augmented  by  much  translation  that 
was  necessary — all  of  the  early  records,  both  periodicals  and  Con- 
ference minutes,  having  been  written  in  the  German  language. 

Your  historian  has  deemed  the  writing  of  this  work  a  great 
and  sacred  trust,  and  highly  appreciates  the  confidence  reposed 
in  him.    He  has  earnestly  striven  to  be  true  to  that  trust. 

Special  recognition  is  due  those  who  have  helped  in  any  way 
to  make  this  history  possible.  Especially  would  I  mention  my 
colleagues  and  the  editor,  who  have  greatly  assisted  in  gathering, 
arranging  and  correcting  the  materials  herein  found.  May  this 
volume  be  a  source  of  blessing  and  inspiration  to  all  who  read 
these  pages !  Yours  in  the  Master's  service, 

S.  H.  BAUMGARTNER. 


AN  APPRECIATION 

A  great  service  has  been  rendered  the  Indiana  Conference  by 
our  compiler  in  the  preparation  of  this  book.  Invaluable  data  of 
the  Conference  has  been  brought  together  and  so  arranged  as  to 
be  easily  accessible.  Amid  the  abounding  duties  of  a  presiding 
elder,  our  compiler  has  bestowed  a  super-amount  of  tedious  labor 
upon  this  book,  and  has  given  us  the  best  that  time  and  strength 
would  allow.     It  is,  indeed,  a  "labor  of  love." 

To  edit  such  a  work  is  no  small  task,  involving  the  assembling 
and  condensing  of  some  parts,  the  correcting  of  the  whole,  and 
the  recopying  of  the  major  part.  More  time  has  been  spent  upon 
this  work  than  a  very  busy  and  large  pastorate  will  allow,  and 
special  thanks  is  due  Elkhart  First  Church  for  their  patience 
and  leniency  during  these  days. 

The  perusal  of  these  pages  cannot  but  be  beneficial  to  the 
laity  and,  especially,  to  the  ministry  of  the  Indiana  Conference. 
It  could,  with  profit,  be  inserted  in  the  Course  of  Studies  for  Jun- 
ior Preachers  of  the  Indiana  Conference. 

Absolute  accuracy  is  not  claimed,  nor  even  hoped  for,  in  this, 
work,  but  an  honest  attempt  has  been  made  to  attain  it. 

E.  W.  PRAETORIUS,  Editor. 


Authentic  History  Prior  to  the  Organization  of  the 
Indiana  Conference 

In  reading  the  history  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  we  must 
trace  the  workings  of  the  pioneers  of  the  Evangelical  Association, 
who  labored  within  our  bounds  prior  to  our  organization.  We 
must  also  get  some  conception  of  the  early  condition  of  the  coun- 
try and  of  the  climate. 

The  land  was  mostly  low  and  marshy  in  the  northern  part, 
and  somewhat  undulating.  In  the  central  and  southern  portions 
lowlands  were  to  be  found,  especially  along  the  rivers  and  creeks. 
Treacherous  quicksand  marshes  abounded,  while  the  roads  were 
nothing  more  than  Indian  trails.  Dense  forests,  infested  with 
wolves  and  bears,  spread  over  the  country,  and  often  the  thickets 
were  impassable.  Railroads  were  almost  unheard  of,  the  canals 
useless  for  circuiting,  and  the  horse  alone  furnished  means  of 
travel.  Bridges  were  very  few,  and  fording  was  a  necessary  but 
exceeding  dangerous  procedure.  The  points  that  had  to  be  reached 
were  from  twenty  to  forty  miles  apart.  In  the  summer-time  the 
air  was  laden  with  malarial  fevers,  to  which  our  pioneers  were 
not  immune,  but  suffered  with  others  untold  chills  and  burnings. 

The  settlements  were  far  apart,  the  houses  of  the  people  very 
small  and  hardly  fit  to  live  in.  The  summer  burnt  itself  through 
the  poorly-constructed  shacks,  and  the  winter  froze  itself  in.  Min- 
isters were  too  often  unwelcome  guests,  simply  because  the-  people 
had  no  accommodations  for  entertaining  them,  and  foodstuffs  and 
provender  were  scarce.     The  "parson"  was  seldom  invited. 

Moreover,  cleanliness  and  godliness  were  not  yet  synonymous 
terms  with  the  people,  and  everything  was  in  a  crude  state  of 
affairs.  It  took  more  than  the  "lure  of  the  wild"  to  enable  one  to 
endure  all  this,  and  to  follow  the  watchword,  "Outward,  Forward, 
Upward."  Nothing  less  than  a  passion  for  souls,  and  a  seeing 
Him,  who  is  invisible,  could  give  them  such  enduring  faith  and 
glorious  victory.  The  hardships,  privations,  sufferings,  distresses 
and  dangers  that  were  the  daily  companions  of  our  pioneer  preach- 
ers and  of  their  families,  are  almost  beyond  the  comprehension  of 
modern  affluence,  ease  of  travel  and  days  of  better  things. 

9 


1835 

INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

The  earliest  bit  of  information  concerning  the  foundation  of 
the  Indiana  Conference  is  contained  in  a  report  of  A.  B.  Shafer, 
which  he  sent  in  to  the  ChristUche  Botschafter  on  May  1,  1848. 
Here  he  writes:  "In  taking  a  retrospective  view  of  the  Lord's 
work,  I  recall  that  in  October,  1835,  I  helped  hold  the  first  'big 
meeting'  that  was  ever  held  in  the  State  of  Indiana,  naraely,  at 
Abington,  Wayne  County.  According  to  my  best  recollection,  we 
had  at  that  time  three  members  in  this  state."  Mr.  Shafer  was  at 
that  time  a  local  preacher  of  the  Western  Conference,  and  serving 
on  the  Miami  Circuit  in  Ohio,  made  a  trip  to  these  parts  in  In- 
diana. From  this  small  beginning  sprang  forth  one  of  the  largest 
of  the  Conferences  in  our  Church. 

1836 

In  the  year  1836,  the  work  of  our  Church  began  in  and  about 
Mt.  Carmel,  111.,  some  Pennsylvanians  from  Lehigh  County  hav- 
ing moved  there  during  this  year.  The  Evangelical  Church  His- 
tory says,  "Here,  the  first  conversions  by  means  of  our  ministry 
took  place  in  Illinois,"  John  Butz,  who  seems  to  have  been  class- 
leader,  was  one  of  the  active  and  valuable  members. 

In  the  same  year,  work  was  begun  near  Greenville,  Ohio, 
which  was  a  part  of  the  Miami  Circuit  of  the  Western  Conference. 
This  circuit  extended  into  Indiana  as  far  as  East  Germantown, 
which  latter  place  was  visited  by  Rev.  Jacob  Boas.  A.  B.  Shafer 
reports  that  he  assisted  in  holding  the  second  "big  meeting"  in 
Indiana,  near  East  Germantown,  in  1836.  Here  there  were  twelve 
members.  It  may  be  that  he  was  with  Boas,  and  that  they  held 
this  meeting  together. 

The  ChristUche  Botschafter  also  reports  that  a  camp-meeting 
was  held  during  this  year  on  this  same  circuit  near  Greenville, 
with  good  results. 

Those  tender  vines  thus  planted  amid  the  briars  of  deepest 
corruption,  grew,  nevertheless,  and  brought  forth  fruit  unto  ever- 
lasting life. 

1837 

From  a  letter  to  the  ChristUche  Botschafter,  dated  January, 
1837,  it  is  learned  that  Brother  John  Lutz  and  A.  B.  Shafer  held 
a  "big  meeting"  on  Saturday,  Dec.  31,  1836,  and  Sunday.  Jan.  1, 
1837,  near  Ft.  Brier  in  Darke  County,  Ohio,  at  D.  Wolf's,  Jacob 
Freyberger's  and  Jacob  Winget's  places.     They  report  a  glorious 

10 


1838 

AUTHENTIC  HISTORY  PRIOR  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION 

time,  especially  during  the  celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper,  on 
Sunday  morning.  When  the  Communion  service  was  almost  over, 
some  "old  church"  people  came  forward  to  participate  in  the  serv- 
ice of  the  Supper,  and  great  blessings  fell  down  upon  them.  At  the 
evening  service,  the  newly  converted  received  a  special  and  gra- 
cious enduement  with  Divine  power.  Eighteen  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association,  and  the  fire  began  to  burn  in  that  com- 
munity, Noi'  was  opposition  M^anting,  for  soon  the  enemies  be- 
gan to  call  Brothers  Lutz  and  Shafer,  "Deceivers!     Deceivers!" 

At  the  same  time  they  wrote,  "We  have  received  word  from 
the  inner  part  of  Indiana,  and  also  from  the  western  part,  along 
the  Wabash  River,  that  there  are  many  there  who  want  the  Bread 
of  Life,"  And  if  at  all  possible,  they  would  have  gladly  entered 
this  open  door.     But,  alas !   their  circuit  was  too  large  already ! 

Brother  Butz  wrote  in  June,  1837,  "I  am  like  a  solitary  bird 
upon  the  roof,  and  meet  with  sore  opposition ;  but  the  Lord  has 
thus  far  been  with  us.  Three  souls  have  been  converted  to  God, 
who  were  awakened  through  our  humble  service,  two  of  whom 
have  obtained  peace  in  our  prayer  services.  The  Lord  alone  be 
praised !" 

At  the  Conference  session  in  May,  Mt,  Carmel  was  taken  up 
as  a  mission, 

1838 

Rev,  Peter  Wiest  was  appointed  to  this  large  field  this  year, 
but  none  of  the  happenings  of  the  Conference  year  have  been  re- 
corded. 

1839 

From  a  report  in  the  Botschafter,  dated  December,  1839, 
Bishop  John  Seybert,  but  recently  elected  as  bishop,  made  a  visit 
to  the  Miami  Circuit,  and  over  into  Indiana,  evidently  to  inspect 
the  work,  and  do  some  missionary  service.  This  was  bis  first 
visit  as  bishop  to  our  parts. 

At  this  time  the  Evangelical  Association  began  operations  in 
the  northern  part  of  Indiana,  in  the  eflJicient  labors  of  Sol.  Alti- 
mos.  Brother  Altimos  lived  in  Monroe  County,  Michigan,  where 
he  preached  also.  His  field  extended  south  to  Yellow  River.  He 
also  made  a  trip  to  Fuhrman's  and  Kern's,  near  Decatur,  Ind.,  and 
to  Bethlehem,  near  Ossian,  Wells  County,  and  Five  Points,  in  Allen 
County,  south-west  of  Ft.  Wayne,  Ind.     He  was  cordially  received 

11 


1840 

INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

in  Ft.  Wayne,  by  Brother  Stetzel,  and  preached  in  the  vicinity 
with  success. 

1840 

This  year  A.  B.  Sliafer  and  Levi  Heiss  were  assigned  to 
Miami  Circuit,  with  instructions  to  give  special  attention  to  Day- 
ton, Ohio.  There  were  many  Germans  residing-  there,  and  ah-eady 
Henry  Longbrake  had  preached  a  sermon  here  with  good  success. 
This  Miami  Circuit  extended  into  15  counties  of  Ohio  and  Indiana. 
Brother  Shafer  was  so  successful  in  Dayton  that  in  the  spring  of 
the  3^ear  1841,  before  Conference,  he  could  organize  a  class  of  21 
members.  On  October  11,  1840,  he  M^rote  to  the  Botschafter  that 
they  had  held  a  camp-meeting  on  John  Dill's  farm,  near  East 
Germantown.  Camp-meetings  were  something  new,  this  being 
the  first  one  held  in  the  state,  but  the  people  came  in  the  Spirit, 
and  many  were  saved  and  united  with  the  Church.  The  season 
was  called  "a  time  of  the  Son  of  man." 

1841 

Miami  Circuit,  having  become  so  greatly  enlarged  by  the  ad- 
dition of  new  appointments,  the  Conference  in  1841  found  it  nec- 
essary to  detach  the  Indiana  section  of  this  field,  and  called  it 
Whitewater  Mission.  The  Ft.  Wayne  Mission  was  also  estab- 
lished at  this  session.  It  extended  into  Adams,  Wells,  Huntington, 
Wabash,  Allen,  DeKalb  and  Noble  Counties.  Rev.  John  Hall  was 
assigned  as  missionary  to  this  field,  and  labored  hard  amidst  many 
difficulties  and  discouragements.  There  were  but  few  Germans 
in  this  section,  the  most  of  these  being  very  poor,  while  the  roads 
were  almost  impassable,  rivers  flooded  and  unbridged.  He  suc- 
ceeded, however,  in  forming  several  small  classes,  which  formed 
the  foundation  for  our  future  work. 

1842 

At  the  session  of  1842,  all  the  appointments  in  Southern  Illi- 
nois and  Indiana,  along  the  Wabash  River,  were  formed  into  Mt. 
Carmel  Mission,  with  C.  Augenstine  as  missionary.  This  field  was 
a  part  of  the  Ohio  District,  with  J.  G.  Zinser  as  presiding  elder. 
Whitewater  Mission,  in  charge  of  Adam  Stroh,  and  Tobias;  and 
Ft.  Wayne  Mission,  M^hich  now  extended  from  Elkhart  County, 
south  to  Wabash,  thence  east  to  Willshire,  Ohio,  thence  north 
through  Defiance  and  Williams  Counties,  and  then  west  again  to 

12 


1843 

AUTHENTIC  HISTORY  PRIOR  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION 

Elkhart  County,  Indiana,  and  over  into  Michigan,  also  belonged 
to  the  Ohio  District.  Mt.  Carmel  Mission  flourished  under  the 
efficient  leadership  and  labors  of  its  missionary.  A  camp-meet- 
ing was  begun  on  Aug.  29th,  in  Lawrence  County,  on  the  farm 
of  Philip  Dundor,  who  had  been  a  member  of  our  Church  before 
he  came  to  Indiana.  His  home  became  a  nucleus  for  our  work  in 
this  vicinity,  nearly  100  persons  joining  our  Church  in  one  year. 
Whitewater  Mission  had  91  members  in  its  classes,  and  the  work 
was  prospering. 

In  Dayton,  Ohio,  Brother  Zinser  began  a  meeting,  October 
15th,  in  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  On  Monday  evening,  the 
17th,  God's  power  was  so  great  that  the  altar  was  filled  with  peni- 
tent souls,  and  many  were  soundly  converted.  The  need  of  a 
church-building  was  keenly  felt,  and  Brother  Zinser  appealed  to 
the  Church  at  large  for  financial  aid.  He  headed  the  list  with 
$5.00  of  his  own,  which,  in  those  days,  was  an  enormous  sum  for 
a  preacher  to  give  out  of  his  insignificant  salary.  The  response 
was  meager,  and  a  second  appeal  had  to  be  made,  which  met  with 
better  results. 

Ft.  Wayne  Mission  had  32  members,  and  one  appointment 
with  regular  and  stated  services.  On  June  28,  Bishop  Seybert 
preached  in  Ft.  Wayne  in  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  to  an 
attentive  audience,  which  was  without  doubt  the  first  sermon 
preached  in  Ft.  Wayne  by  an  Evangelical  minister.  From  Ft. 
Wayne  the  bishop  went  to  Elkhart  County,  and  formed  the  first 
class  having  stated  services  on  the  district.  This  was  probably 
at  Canada,  Union  Township,  south  of  Harrison  Center.  Mission- 
aries Hall  and  Nicolai  toiled  hard  with  apparently  little  success, 
encountering  bitter  opposition  from  preachers  of  formal  and  dead 
churches. 

1843 

The  Conference  session  was  held  in  the  new  stone  church 
near  Flat  Rock,  Ohio,  May  10th.  J.  Kopf  was  elected  presiding 
elder  and  stationed  on  the  Ohio  District.  The  fields  were  sup- 
plied as  follows:  Miami  Circuit,  Aaron  Jambert  and  F.  Meyer; 
Whitewater,  John  Nicolai  and  Peter  Hahn ;  Dayton  Mission,  A. 
B.  Shafer;  Ft.  Wayne  Circuit,  D.  Kern  and  Geo.  A.  Blank;  Mt. 
Carmel,  Chr.  Lintner  and  A.  Nicolai. 

The  Dayton  society  was  exceedingly  glad  to  have  a  preacher 
by  themselves,  who  could  devote  all  his  time  to  the  work  in  Day- 

13 


1844 

INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ton.  At  the  close  of  the  first  service,  Shafer  called  a  meeting  of 
the  men  members,  who  decided  to  look  for  a  room  in  the  city  sem- 
inary for  a  place  of  worship.  It  was  granted  them  rent-free  for 
several  months.  They  again  met  on  Friday  evening,  and  planned 
the  building  of  a  church,  electing  a  board  of  trustees  and  a  builder. 
On  Oct.  3  the  church  was  dedicated.  It  was  a  time  of  great  re- 
joicing, and  many  were  saved  and  united  with  the  Church. 

Ft.  Wayne  Circuit  had  26  appointments,  and  the  work  looked 
very  promising.  The  people  gladly  received  their  pastors,  and 
even  sought  for  them  and  urged  them  to  preach  the  Gospel  in 
their  homes.  Between  60-70  were,  during  the  year,  added  to  the 
Church. 

1844 

At  the  Conference  session,  held  in  the  Lafayette  Church, 
Wayne  County,  Ohio,  May,  1844,  the  Illinois  Conference  was  or- 
ganized. It  had  about  50  appointments,  60-80  miles  apart,  ex- 
tending through  dense  forests  and  over  trackless  prairies.  The 
Indiana  District  of  the  Ohio  Conference  became  a  part  of  the  Illi- 
nois Conference.  Dayton  Mission  and  Miami  Circuit  were  added 
to  the  Indiana  Conference  later  on.  This  new  Conference  was 
divided  into  two  districts,  named  Indiana  and  Illinois,  respectively. 
Mt.  Carmel  Mission,  however,  belonged  to  the  Indiana  District. 

The  Conference  covered  a  territory  500  miles  long  and  400 
miles  wide,  spreading  itself  over  North-western  Ohio,  the  whole 
of  Indiana,  Southern  Michigan,  all  of  Illinois,  and  into  Wisconsin 
and  Iowa.  It  was  the  largest  district  in  the  whole  Church.  The 
statistics  of  that  time  reveal  that  there  were  763  members,  14 
preachers,  3  circuits,  6  m.issions,  and  5  church  buildings.  The 
Indiana  District  could  boast  of  one  of  these  church  buildings, 
located  at  East  Germantown.  Two  Sunday-schools  were  to  be 
found,  one  at  Young's,  near  Wabash,  and  the  other  at  East  Ger- 
mantown.    These  were  organized  in  1840  and  1843,  respectively. 

A.  B.  Shafer  was  presiding  elder  of  the  Indiana  District,  and 
was  assisted  by  Fr.  Mayer  on  the  Whitewater  Circuit,  (xeo.  A. 
Blank  and  Simon  Tobias  on  Ft.  Wayne  Circuit,  A.  Nicolai  and  G. 
Platz  on  Mt.  Carmel  Mission.  Mt.  Carmel  Mission  enjoyed  great 
prosperity,  especially  around  Huntingburg,  where  Jacob  Trome- 
ter,  a  local  preacher,  lived  and  labored  with  great  succet^s.  On 
Christmas  morning  God's  power  was  greatly  manifested  in  Hunt- 
ingburg under  the  preaching  of  Trom.eter.     Children  froru  10-12 

14 


1845 

AUTHENTIC  HISTORY  PRIOR  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION 

years  of  age  were  mightily  gripped  by  God's  Word  and  converted. 
There  were  in  all  some  66  accessions  on  this  mission  during  the 
year,  and  one  new  Sunday-school  organized. 

Ft.  Wayne  Circuit  also  prospered.  Bishop  Seybert  visited 
these  parts  this  year  and  was  greatly  encouraged  by  the  progress 
made.  However,  there  would  have  been  greater  results  had  Bro. 
Tobias  been  able  to  remain  on  the  field  with  Brother  Blank.  As 
it  was.  Brother  Blank  could  reach  the  appointments  but  once  in 
5  or  6  weeks.  This  made  progress  very  slow,  and  the  impressions 
few  and  far  between.  But  in  spite  of  it  all  the  work  wont  for- 
ward. 

1845 

This  Conference  year  was  filled  with  trying  experiences  and 
some  successes.  Shafer  was  again  appointed  as  presiding  elder 
on  the  Indiana  District,  with  C.  Augenstein  on  Whitewater  Cir- 
cuit, G.  G.  Platz  and  Wm.  Kolb  on  Elkhart  Circuit,  Chr.  Glaus  on 
St.  Mary's  Mission  (these  latter  two  formerly  constituted  Ft. 
Wayne  Circuit),  S.  Tobias  and  Ph.  Bretsch  on  Mt.  Carmel  Cir- 
cuit, Jacob  Trometer  on  Dubois  Mission. 

For  5  months  Chr.  Glaus  was  unable  to  do  any  work  on  his 
field  on  account  of  illness.  His  enemies  made  good  use  of  the  time, 
filling  the  minds  of  the  people  with  suspicion  towards  the  Evan- 
gelical preachers,  and  hindered  the  work  in  every  way  possible. 
Great  injury  was  done  to  the  work  on  the  St.  Mary's  Mission.  Mt. 
Caimel  Circuit  enjoyed  blessed  meetings,  and  many  conversions 
and  accessions.  On  Dubois  Mission,  the  Maple  Grove  Church,  near 
Huntingburg,  was  dedicated  Sept.  14,  1845.  Brother  G.  G.  Platz 
reported  a  glorious  camp-meeting  on  Dill's  farm,  Wayne  County, 
Ind.,  beginning  Aug.  15,  1845.  Many  conversions  and  accessions 
came  with  great  persecutions.  Platz  says :  "There  was  good  be- 
havior on  the  part  of  the  outsiders  until  Tuesday  night,  when  the 
hordes  of  Satan  gathered  without,  armed  with  clubs  and  knives, 
presaging  evil.  During  the  preaching,  a  sham-battle  was  played, 
hoping  to  lure  us  out,  and  when  they  failed  in  this,  they  rushed  in 
upon  us,  as  we  surrounded  the  altar  and  were  praying  with  the 
many  penitents.  For  an  hour  or  more,  we  had  a  serious  and  rough 
time.  God's  people  fell  upon  their  knees  and  prayed  earnestly, 
sinners  cried  mightily  to  God  for  pardon,  while  these  hoodlums 
mocked  and  filled  the  air  with  their  profanity.  The  ringleader 
called  himself  a  Lutheran,  and  orthodox,  and  put  us  down  as 
deceivers." 

15 


1846 

INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

While  the  preachers  were  mostly  young  and  inexperienced, 
yet  they  labored  incessantly  and  with  great  zeal  and  earnestness, 
and  not  without  blessing, 

1846 

The  Conference  met  on  June  10th  of  this  year,  in  East  Ger- 
mantown,  Ind.,  and  the  appointments  were  made  as  follows :  In- 
diana District,  A.  B.  Schafer,  P.  E. ;  Elkhart  Circuit,  Chr.  Glaus 
and  Wm.  Ficht;  Whitewater  Circuit,  G.  G.  Platz;  Dubois,  Phil. 
Bretsch;  Mt,  Carmel  Circuit,  John  G.  Miller  and  Jacob  Trometer; 
St.  Mary's  Mission,  Wm.  Kolb. 

Some  of  their  labors  and  hardships  can  be  gathered  from  the 
following:  A.  E.  Shafer  left  his  home  in  East  Germantown.  July 
24th,  for  Vandalia,  111.,  240  miles  distant,  where  J.  G.  Miller  had 
taken  up  several  new  appointments,  which  lay  from  80  to  150 
miles  from  his  headquarters  in  Mt.  Carmel.  Finding  some  Ger- 
mans, Schafer  held  a  two  days'  meeting  here  in  a  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  paved  the  way  for  a  new  field,  which  was  taken  up 
the  next  year.  On  August  the  6th,  Schafer  arrived  at  Marshall, 
111.,  where  he  assisted  H.  Tobias  in  a  camp-meeting,  which  re- 
sulted in  many  conversions  and  accessions.  He  thence  set  out 
and  came  to  Mt.  Carmel,  111.,  where  he  conducted  a  camp-meeting 
on  Adam  Stolz's  farm.  With  Brother  Bretsch,  Schafer  proceeded 
east  to  Princeton,  where  he  preached,  and  then  on  to  Evansville, 
Rockport  and  Huntingburg,  holding  a  2  or  3  days'  meeting  in 
each  place.  After  seven  days  of  continuous  travel,  he  arrived 
home  safely,  mounted  on  his  trusted  horse,  Sept.  7th.  J,  G,  Miller, 
reporting  from  Mt,  Carmel  Circuit,  said:  "It  required  600  miles 
of  travel  to  make  one  round  on  my  field."  He  added  to  his  field, 
Vandalia  and  vicinity,  Springfield,  Pulaski,  Decatur,  all  in  Illi- 
nois. He  investigated  the  conditions  in  Southern  Illinois,  in  a 
town  called  "Hochland,"  a  German  settlement,  where  rationalism 
prevailed,  and  then  went  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  half  the  popula- 
tion was  German.  (It  is  to  be  regretted  that  St,  Louis,  Decatur, 
and  Springfield  were  not  occupied  at  this  time,  instead  of  so  many 
country  places,  where  the  work  soon  died  out  because  of  the  lack 
of  people.) 

Wm.  Kolb,  of  St.  Mary's  Circuit,  reports  great  opposition  and 
spiritual  apathy.  About  Willshire,  Ohio,  he  found  5  preachers 
who  were  teaching  baptismal  regeneration,  who  greatly  withstood 
his  words.     His  meetings   were  greatly   hindered   by   chill-fever, 

16 


1847 

AUTHENTIC  HISTORY  PRIOR  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION 

which  was  raging  eveiy where.  His  field  was  large  and  beset  with 
many  hindrances.  High  water,  swamps,  bridges  gone,  and  other 
things  to  make  his  woik  difficult.  But  once  in  three  weeks  could 
he  m.ake  his  appointments.  He  reports  success  in  Defiance  and 
Williams  Counties,  especially  in  Brunnersberg,  near  Defiance.  In 
DeKalb  County  he  organized  five  classes,  of  which  2  were  near 
Auburn,  Indiana.  Elkhait  Circuit  showed  good  success,  especially 
around  Bremen,  Ind.,  and  along  the  Yellow  River,  The  district 
made  progress  in  general,  but  the  scarcity  of  competent  workers  to 
man  the  field  was  greatly  deplored  by  the  presiding  elder,  Schafer 
sent  out  a  strong  appeal  to  the  East  for  vigorous  young  men  to 
come  and  enter  this  promising  and  needy  West. 

1847 

The  Conference,  which  convened  in  Naperville,  111.,  detached 
the  part  of  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit,  called  afterward  Vandalia  Circuit, 
and  added  it  to  the  Iirno:'s  District.  Trometer  was  obliged  to 
locate  on  account  of  illness.  Fr.  Wiethaput,  Henry  Welty,  Geo, 
Messner  and  Henry  Eiteiman  were  licensed  as  probationers.  The 
appointments  on  the  Indiana  District  were  as  follows:  A.  B,  Scha- 
fer, P.  E,;  Whitewater,  Chr.  Glaus;  Elkhart  Circuit,  G.  G.  Platz, 
Fr,  Wiethaupt  and  H.  Welty ;  Dubois  Circuit,  A.  Nicolai ;  Mt. 
Carmel,  Wm.  Ficht;  DeKalb  Circuit,  Phil.  Bretsch ;  St.  Mary's 
Circuit,  Sam.  Dickover, 

On  the  whole,  it  was  a  prosperous  year,  Nicolai  was  suc- 
cessful on  Dubois  Circuit,  especially  around  Huntingburg,  War- 
renton  (now  Tabor,  Elberfeld),  and  at  Rockport  and  Zoar,  Scha- 
fer reported  good  meetings  on  the  Elkhart  Circuit,  having  organ- 
ized two  new  classes,  one  at  Peter  Wiest's  place,  Marshall  County, 
Ind.,  the  other  at  Jacob  Roth's,  Kosciusko  County.  He  also  speaks 
of  two  new  churches  being  built,  one  at  Ott's,  near  Benton,  Ind., 
and  the  other  at  Salem,  Fulton  County.  In  all,  Elkhart  Circuit 
had  13  organized  classes  at  this  time.  Whitewater  Circuit  «howed 
good  progress  and  could  boast  of  one  new  church  building,  Mt. 
Carmel  Circuit  was  deprived  of  pastoral  care  the  whole  year,  ow- 
ing to  severe  illness  of  Brother  Ficht,  nevertheless  the  people  con- 
tinued faithful  and  completed  the  building  of  their  new  brick 
church.  The  other  fields  showed  equal  signs  of  progress  and  en- 
couragement. 

17 


1848 
INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1848 

Bishop  Joseph  Long  presided  at  the  Conference,  held  in 
Emanuel  Church,  Cook  County,  111.  At  the  session  he  began  a 
Conference  Library  for  Ministers,  by  donating  ten  German  gram- 
mars, for  the  use  of  preachers  who  could  not  afford  to  purchase 
any  of  their  own.  He  appealed  to  the  ministers  to  add  other  books, 
whose  use  might  increase  the  efficiency  of  the  young  men. 

The  Indiana  Conference  was  divided  into  two  parts,  Wabash 
and  St.  Joseph  Districts.  The  appointments  were  as  follows : 
Wabash  District,  A.  B.  Schafer,  P.  E. ;  Whitewater  Circuit,  Geo. 
A.  Blank;  Dubois,  A.  Nicolai  and  H.  Esh ;  Mt.  Carmel,  Chr. 
Glaus.  St.  Joseph  District,  Chr.  Augenstein,  P.  E. ;  Elkhart  Cir- 
cuit, S.  Dickover  and  B.  Uphaus ;  St.  Mary's,  Fr.  Wiethaup ;  De- 
Kalb,  H.  Eiterman.    Wm.  Ficht  had  to  locate  on  account  of  illness. 

This  was  another  prosperous  year.  Camp-meetings  were  held 
at  Mt.  Carmel,  Marshall  and  Huntingburg,  with  good  results.  The 
newly  built  brick  church  at  Mt.  Carmel  was  dedicated  December 
2,  1848. 

Regarding  Maple  Grove  Camp-ground,  Bishop  J.  Seybert  re- 
ports as  follows :  "I  attended  a  camp-meeting  at  Maple  Grove, 
near  Huntingburg,  where  our  friends  bought  40  acres  of  good  tim- 
ber land  from  the  Government  for  the  sum  of  $50.00.  They  have 
built  well-covered  log-tents,  and  a  preacher's  stand  and  tent,  right 
close  to  their  church,  so  that  the  church  can  be  used  in  case  it 
rains.  This  property  is  consecrated  to  God  by  a  people  who,  in 
their  poverty,  have  made  a  place  for  the  saving  of  souls.  Where 
can  the  like  be  found  among  the  rich  converted  Americans?  No 
wonder  that  the  windows  of  heaven  were  opened  over  us,  and  sin- 
ners were  converted  and  believers  greatly  blessed." 

1849 

The  Annual  Conference  was  again  held  at  Naperville,  111., 
and  many  changes  were  made.  J.  G.  Miller  and  Ph.  Bretsch  lo- 
cated on  account  of  ill  health,  Chi'.  Augenstein  resigned  as  presid- 
ing elder.  The  Conference  had  new  additions  in  receiving  J.  P. 
Kramer  of  the  East  Pennsylvania  Conference  and  Peter  Goetz  of 
the  Ohio  Conference.  Jacob  Keiper  and  C.  A.  Schnake  were  li- 
censed as  probationers.  The  northern  part  of  Mt.  Caimel  Circuit 
was  detached  and  called  Marshall  Circuit.  St.  Joseph  District 
was  again  united  to  Wabash  District  on  account  of  the  insuffi- 
ciency of  men.     The  appointments  were  as  follows : 

18 


1849 
AUTHENTIC  HISTORY  PRIOR  TO  THE  ORGANIZATION 

Wabash  District,  Presiding  Elder,  A.  B.  Schafer;  White- 
water, W.  H.  Ragaz;  Dubois,  Chr.  Glaus  and  J.  Keiper;  Mt.  Car- 
mel,  S.  Dickover;  Marshall,  A.  Nicolai ;  Elkhart,  G.  G.  Platz, 
Geo.  Messner  and  B.  Uphaus;  St.  Mary's,  Peter  Goetz ;  DeKalb, 
Fr.  Wiethaup. 

Prosperity  again  smiled  upon  the  Wabash  District  this  year 
also.  A.  B.  Schafer  writes:  "In  1844,  Wabash  District  consisted 
in  Whitewater  and  Ft.  Wayne  Circuits  and  Mt.  Carmel  Mission. 
We  had  but  one  church  edifice.  Now  there  are  five  strong  circuits, 
two  missions,  eleven  church  buildings,  two  more  in  building  and  an- 
other about  to  be  constructed.  One  parsonage  (likely  at  Ott's)." 
Besides  this,  domestic  conditions  were  greatly  improved,  and  even 
the  roads  were  more  easily  traveled.  Camp-meetings  were  held 
and  crowned  with  success,  many  finding  salvation  and  uniting 
with  the  Church.  Churches  were  dedicated  during  the  year  at 
Canada  Class,  Union  Township,  Elkhart  County,  at  Huntingburg, 
and  one  at  Warrenton.  While  the  latter  w^as  being  dedicated  on 
Christmas  day,  the  power  of  God  fell  upon  the  whole  congregation, 
and  not  a  single  sinner  in  the  house  was  left  without  being  brought 

to  repentance. 

1850 

At  this  session,  which  again  convened  at  Emanuel's  Church, 
Cook  County,  111.,  the  Conference  celebrated  the  50th  anniversary 
of  the  Evangelical  Association,  It  was  a  great  jubilee.  This  Con- 
ference heartily  approved  the  action  of  the  Church  in  establishing 
a  mission  in  Germany.  Arrangements  were  made  for  the  exam- 
ination of  junior  preachers.  This  was  a  new  departure.  The 
western  part  of  Whitewater  Circuit  was  detached  and  called  Ham- 
ilton Mission,  the  southern  part  of  Elkhart  Circuit  was  detached 
and  named  Miami  Mission.  The  Wabash  District  was  again  di- 
vided into  the  Wabash  and  St.  Joseph  Districts.  A.  B.  Schafer 
resigned  as  presiding  elder  and  returned  to  the  Ohio  Conference. 

The  appointments  were  as  follows :  Wabash  District,  Presid- 
ing Elder,  G.  A.  Blank;  Whitewater,  J.  G.  Esher;  Dubois,  Fr. 
Wiethaup  and  B.  Uphaus;  Mt.  Carmel,  S.  A.  Tobias;  Marshall, 
J.  H.  Ragaz.  St.  Joseph  District,  Presiding  Elder,  Chr.  Augen- 
stein;  Elkhart,  J.  J.  Esher,  J.  F.  Wolf;  St.  Mary's,  P.  Goetz,  P. 
Burgener;    Miami,  Joseph  Fisher. 

Six  hundred  and  fifty  accessions  crowned  the  labors  of  this 
most  fruitful  year,  and  the  brethren  were  greatly  encouraged  to 
do  exploits  for  God  and  the  Church. 

19 


1851 
INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1851 

This  was  destined  to  be  the  last  year  that  the  Indiana  Dis- 
trict would  continue  to  be  a  part  of  the  Illinois  Conference.  The 
General  Conference,  which  convened  in  October,  ordered  the  de- 
tachment of  the  Indiana  District  and  the  formation  of  the  new 
Conference,  to  be  called  "The  Indiana  Conference."  S.  Dick- 
over  and  G.  A.  Blank  were  the  chosen  delegates  to  this  General 
Conference. 

The  entire  year  was  a  prosperous  one  along  all  lines.  The 
blessing  of  God  rested  upon  the  Conference  as  a  whole,  and  espe- 
cially upon  the  Indiana  section. 

The  appointments  were  as  follows :  Wabash  District,  G.  A. 
Blank,  P.  E.;  Whitewater  Circuit,  J.  Keiper;  Dubois  Circuit,  Fr. 
Weithaup,  Fr.  Schuerman ;  Mt.  Carmel-Marshall,  Geo.  Messner, 
J.  F.  Wolf;  Hamilton  Mission,  A.  Nicolai.  St.  Joseph  District, 
S.  Dickover,  P.  E.;  Elkhart  Circuit,  J.  H.  Ragaz,  Jos.  Fisher; 
St.  Mary,  B.  Uphaus,  Peter  Burgener;    Miami,  P.  Goetz,  Hauert. 


20 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE:    1852 

Organization  of  the  Indiana  Conference  and 
Territorial  Extent 

In  keeping  with  the  action  of  the  General  Conference,  held 
October,  1851,  the  Indiana  Conference  was  organized  at  the  regu- 
lar session  of  the  Illinois  Conference,  held  in  Naperville,  111.,  June 
16,  1852.  Bishop  Seybert  w^as  the  chairman,  and  J.  J.  Esher 
the  secretary.  (As  the  Indiana  Conference  did  not  hold  any  sepa- 
rate session  when  it  organized,  the  session  always  comes  at  the 
close  of  the  Conference  year.)  The  following  brethren  united 
with  this  Conference  and  became  its  charter  members:  Samuel 
Dickover,  Christian  Glaus,  A.  Nicolai,  Fred  Wiethaup,  Bernard 
Uphaus,  Joseph  Fisher,  Peter  Burgener,  Peter  Goetz,  Fred  Schuer- 
man,  Jacob  Keiper,  M.  W.  Steffey,  Gerh.  Franzen,  Bernard  Ruh. 
Out  of  this  number  but  three  survived  to  celebrate  the  50th  anni- 
versary of  the  Indiana  Conference.  These  were:  M.  W.  Steffey, 
J.  Keiper  and  Bern.  Ruh. 

There  were  thirteen  preachers,  1,285  members  and  16  church 
buildings  as  a  beginning  of  this  Conference,  which  grew  until 
now,  1915,  there  are  135  preachers,  14,228  members,  160  church 
buildings,  65  parsonages. 

The  Conference  extended  over  a  vast  territory.  Beginning 
at  Williams  County,  Ohio,  it  continued  south  through  Defiance, 
Paulding,  Van  Wert  and  Mercer  Counties,  thence  a  little  south- 
west into  Wayne  County,  Ind.,  and  west  through  Henry,  Hancock, 
Marion,  Hamilton,  Madison  and  Tipton  Counties,  south  again, 
leaping  over  many  counties,  into  Dubois,  Spencer,  Warrick.  Gib- 
son and  Vanderburg  Counties,  then  west  once  more  into  White 
County,  111.,  and  up  through  Edwards,  Wabash,  Richland,  Law- 
rence, and  Clark  Counties,  east  into  Vigo  and  Clay  County,  Ind., 
then  north-east  into  the  counties  along  both  sides  of  the  upper 
Wabash  River,  and  into  the  northern  and  eastern  counties  in  In- 
diana, extending  into  Southern  Michigan.  This  great  field  chal- 
lenged the  "Brave  Thirteen"  to  noble  battle.  With  faith  and 
courage  they  went  forth  in  the  name  of  their  Lord  and  Master  to 
possess  the  field  and  make  it  subject  to  the  Kingdom.  Little  at- 
tention was  paid  to  English-speaking  people,  which  surely  was  a 
mistake,  but  with  holy  abandon  they  went  to  seek  the  lost  sheep 
of  the  "Fatherland,"  especially  as  they  were  found  in  the  rural 
districts.  The  cities  were  considered  impregnable,  and  the  seat 
of  all  corruption  and  beyond  cure,  and  generally  "passed  ])y  on  the 
other  side." 

21 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

This  territory  was  divided  into  two  presiding  elder  districts, 
called  St.  Joseph  and  Wabash.  The  following  were  the  fields  and 
the  various  appointments: 

ST.  MARY'S  CIRCUIT 

Consisted  of  the  following  classes:  Fuhrman,  7  miles  north- 
west, and  Salem,  2  miles  east  of  Decatur;  Furthmiller,  9  miles 
east;  Five  Points,  9  miles  south-west;  Reserve,  Bethlehem,  12 
miles  south  of  Ft.  Wayne;  Gottschalk  (Salem)  and  Vera  Cruz,  in 
Wells  County,  and  Haley  (Zion),  Jay  County,  Stuber  County,  0.; 
Hellwarth's  and  Smith's  (Hope),  near  Celina ;  Settlers,  near  Will- 
shire,  Mercer  County;  St.  Peters  and  Mohrs  (Grand  Victory),  Van 
Wert  County,  and  St.  Paul,  Paulding  County,  Ohio. 

ELKHART  CIRCUIT 

Composed  of  Ott's  or  Salem,  Ebenezer,  Benton,  Waterford, 
Middleport  (Dunlaps),  Schwartz's,  Loose's,  Smith's,  Harrison 
Center,  Canada,  Union  Township,  Elkhart  County,  Berrien  and 
other  points  in  Michigan,  Mishawaka,  Coalbush,  in  St.  Joseph 
County,  Barren  (now  Bremen),  Hepton  and  Heim's  in  Marshall 
County,  Oster's,  near  Milford,  North  Webster,  near  Larville, 
Strickler's,  near  Warsaw,  in  Kosciusko  County. 

WHITEWATER   CIRCUIT 

Comprised  of  New  Lisbon,  Cambridge,  Zion  Church,  East 
Germantown,  Pennville,  Jacksonburg,  Winchester,  and  probably 
others. 

DEKALB  MISSION 

Was  made  up  of  Stroh's  and  Husselman's,  between  Waterloo 
and  Auburn;  Diehl's,  four  miles  south  of  Butler,  Schutt's  and 
Kramer's,  south  of  Edgerton,  Brunnersburg,  near  Defiance,  Dick- 
man's  and  Kuhn's,  north  of  Brunnersburg,  Miller's,  north-west 
of  Avilla,  Schlichtenmeyer's,  near  Kendallville,  west,  Dutch  St. 
(Wolcottville),  Eshelman's  (Wright's  Corner),  Lima  and  Van 
Buren,  now  of  the  Michigan  Conference. 

MARSHALL  CIRCUIT 

Consisted  in  Marshall,  Mill  Creek,  Big  Creek,  in  Clarke  Co.; 
Dundor's,  Tohill's,  Ell's,  Freudenberger's  and  Lieberer's  appoint- 
ments, in  Lawrence  Co.,  Vandalia  and  surroundings,  in  Illinois. 

22 


ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE:    1852 

DUBOIS   CIRCUIT 

Embraced  Huntingburg,  Maple  Grove,  Warrentown  (Tabor), 
Elberfeld,  Kohlmeier,  near  Sommerville,  a  class  in  a  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  in  Paris,  Posey  Co.,  Boonville,  Evansville,  Rock- 
port,  Zoar,  Miller's,  near  Rockport,  Ind. 

MT.    CARMEL    CIRCUIT 

Embodied  Mt.  Carmel,  Grand  Prairie,  near  Olney,  West  Salem, 
Lancaster,  Timberville,  Bonpus  and  Carmi. 

MIAMI  CIRCUIT  IN  OHIO 

Embracing  Mississinawa,  Lightsville,  Troy,  Vandalia.  Phil- 
lipsburg,  Seibles,  New  Hope,  Eaton,  Ware's  Chapel,  and  Dayton 
Mission,  were  ceded  to  the  Ohio  Conference  in  1852,  but  were  in- 
corporated in  the  Indiana  Conference  in  1856. 

HAMILTON  MISSION 

Embodied  Indian  Creek,  Stony  Creek,  Clarksville,  Dicks, 
Cicero,  Pendleton  and  Whitewater  appointments. 

MIAMI   MISSION    (FULTON  CIRCUIT) 

Embraced  Barnheisel,  New  Ark,  Condo's,  Walter's,  Sharpie's, 
around  Bunker  Hill ;  Silver  Lake,  in  Kosciusko  Co.,  Meyer's,  Lein- 
inger's,  Stetzel's,  in  Huntington  Co.;  Young's  and  Laketon,  in 
Wabash  Co. ;  Salem  and  Zwingeisen's,  Leidersford,  Lake  Bruce, 
South  Germany,  in  Fulton  Co. ;  Zechiel's,  Twin  Lakes,  Maxin- 
kukee.  Flora,  in  Marshall  Co. ;  two  appointments  south-west  of 
Logansport,  and  others. 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


ORIGINAL  INDIANA  CONFERENCE 
1852. 


1.  s,   |iM'K<'\KK, 

2.  A     Mini,  \l. 

;i.  JoShl'il    hl>liKl;. 


7.  rnK.  i;i,Ai  s 
,-<.  i"Kri;i:  (joKi'Z, 
'.1.  M.  \v.  sri;r  i-'i:y 


4.  GEH)iAi:i  i  i;anzi;n.  lo.  Pi^riKU  i!ri;«.i;N  i.u. 


6.   B.   HI  11. 
6.  J.  KEIPEH. 


11.  iv  w  11.1  II. \rr, 

V2.  HKUNIIAUn   I   I'll  A  I 


i;j.   I\  SC Hi; HUMAN. 


24 


Map  of  the  Indiana  Conference  in  1902 


TATISTICS     1902 


ol  CbuTChea  In 

Count 

Se»t3 

B               13 

In  U 

io 

InK 

ntufky 

olConvenion- 

inra] 

52 

■  to  the  Churc 

who  died  wnce 

im 



y  School  Scbolara 


Misiionsbote 

_         IJ5 

Sundiy  SchoK. 

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piitlc  A  Sunday 

School  Teacher       X 

ry  Mesaengcr 

!chool  Mi'isenjtc 

2,391 

of  PwBoniige. 

49 

■dVilue  of  Churches    I360.&7600 

naxea           1  62.625.00 

"      '■   Oalt- 

'ood  Pork  «  W.OOOM 

■'     ■"  other 

property       « 6.960,00 

ootriboteJ  lor  Ho 

me  and  Forelftn 

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nre  1852      *2ie,a61.5n 

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..*»■ 

BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  OF  1865 


Vompliinciils   (if  [iidiana  En'jraiiiii/  Co. 


MEMBERS   OF  THE   INDIANA  CONFERENCE,   1SG5 


1.  Al)s:)loin    B.    Schafer  15. 

2.  Eli    L.    Kipling-er  16. 

3.  John    M.     Gomel'  17. 

4.  Belt.    Hoffman  18. 

5.  Fr.    Wiethaup  10. 

6.  John  Beck  20. 

7.  John   Berger  21. 

8.  Geo.    Kloepfer  22. 

9.  Aug.    Scholz  23. 

10.  Dan'l    Bartholomew  24. 

11.  Chr.    Heim  25. 

12.  And.    Parker  26. 

13.  Geo.    Ziminci  27. 

14.  Adam    Hartzlet  28. 


Peter    Wiest 
Salem   S.    Albert 
Geo.   .\.    Hertel 
Sam.   Kiplinger 
Carl   Schamo 
Melehior  Mayer 
John   Fox 
John   Kaufman 
Chr.    Glaus 
Geo.   G.   Platz 
Henry    L.    Fisher 
Mich.   Klaiber 
Wm.   Wesseler 
Phil.   Porr 

25 


29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 


David    S.    OakPS 
Edw.   Evans 
Peter    Roth 
Mich.    Krueger 
Geo.    Schmoll 
Jos.    Fisher 
John    Hoffman 
John    M.    Kronmiller 
Math.    Iloehn 
John    Kastetter 
Mich.    \V.    Steffey 
Chr.    Wessling 
Bernh.    L'pliaus 
Bishop  Jos.  Long 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  OF  1865 

At  the  session  of  the  Annual  Conference,  held  in  South  Bend, 
Ind.,  September,  1865,  just  fifty  years  ago,  the  above  photograph 
was  taken.  Forty-two  sturdy  and  faithful  pioneer  workers,  who 
did  much  toward  bringing  the  Conference  to  its  present  standmg, 
are  here  represented,  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  John  Beck,  Geo.  Zimmer, 
John  Fuchs,  John  Kaufman,  Edward  Evans,  M.  Krueger,  John 
Hoffman  and  Math.  Hoehn  are  still  with  us,  but  not  in  the  active 
ranks. 

Of  these  the  following  held  the  office  of  presiding  elder  in  the 
Indiana  Conference:  A.  B.  Schafer,  3  years;  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  12 
years;  John  Berger,  3 1/4  years ;  Mel.  Mayer,  8  years ;  John  Fuchs, 
5  years;  Chr.  Glaus,  3  years;  G.  G.  Platz,  12  years;  H.  L.  Fisher, 
2  years ;  D.  S.  Oakes,  22  years ;  M.  Krueger,  12  years ;  Jos.  Fisher, 
8  years ;  M.  Hoehn,  4  years ;  M.  W.  Steffey,  16  years.  This  office 
was  held  in  the  South  Indiana  Conference  by  John  Fuchs,  8  years ; 
H.  L.  Fisher,  5  years  (died  in  office)  ;  John  Kaufman,  12  years, 
and  J.  M.  Gomer,  in  Texas  Conference  for  11  years. 

Of  these  F.  Wiethaup,  Chr.  Glaus,  Jos.  Fisher  and  M.  W. 
Steffey  were  the  only  charter  members  of  the  Conference  who  were 
still  in  active  service. 

The  following  served  as  secretaries  of  Conference :  A.  B. 
Schafer,  1  year;  M.  Hoehn,  8  years;  G.  G.  Platz,  1  year;  M. 
Mayer,  5  years;  M.  Klaiber,  1  year;  John  Berger,  3  years;  D.  S. 
Oakes,  5  years. 

The  following  represented  the  Indiana  Conference  and  oth- 
ers as  delegates  to  General  Conference:  M.  W.  Steffey,  9  times; 
D.  S.  Oakes,  6  times;  G.  G.  Platz,  M.  Krueger,  E.  L.  Kiplinger, 
John  Fuchs,  each  4  times ;  A.  B.  Schafer,  Jos.  Fisher,  John  Kauf- 
man, M.  Mayer,  each  3  times;  M.  Hoehn,  H.  L.  Fisher,  each  2 
times. 

These  three  served  as  Conference  treasurers:  G.  G.  Platz, 
1862-3;   M.  Hoehn,  1864-73,  and  J.  M.  Gomer,  1874-79. 


26 


MISSIONARY  OPERATIONS  AND  EXPANSION 

Missionary  Operations  and  Expansion  in  the 

Conference 

True  to  the  spirit  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  the  Indiana 
Conference  has  been  missionary  from  the  very  beginning.  In  the 
operation  of  missionary  interests  in  her  Conference  bounds  she 
has  in  the  last  38  years  alone  spent  some  $196,000.00.  She  has 
striven  to  not  only  keep  pace  with  the  needs  of  the  time,  and  to 
enter  every  open  door,  but  has  had  to  do  the  same  in  the  face  of 
changing  conditions.  So  long  as  the  work  was  carried  on  in  the 
German  language,  it  was  not  so  difficult,  for  the  field  was  largely 
our  own,  and  keen  church  competition  was  unknown.  However, 
since  the  Conference  has  largely  become  English,  and  the  new 
work  generally  begun  in  the  larger  cities,  extension  has  not  been 
so  rapid  and  made  only  at  great  cost. 

Sometimes  zeal  ran  away  with  better  judgment,  enterprises 
hastily  entered  into,  only  to  be  abandoned  after  much  money  had 
been  spent.  Sometimes  patience  was  absent  and  fields  were  aban- 
doned prematurely.  In  particular  is  this  true  in  the  larger  cities. 
At  times  the  effort  put  forth  was  in  such  a  half-hearted  way  that 
nothing  permanent  or  large  could  be  accomplished,  especially  have 
our  mission  churches  in  the  cities  been  greatly  hindered  by  small, 
inadequate  and  cheaply  constructed  church  buildings.  Yet  we  are 
profoundly  thankful  to  God  for  the  advance  that  has  been  made, 
and  trust  that  we  may  profit  by  the  errors  of  the  past.  Not  a  few 
of  the  so-called  "everlasting  missions"  are  such  on  account  of  im- 
proper location,  and  inadequate  and  unattractive  church  build- 
ings, and  we  greatly  rejoice  that  these  matters  are  being  taken 
into  account  in  the  locating  of  new  missions. 

The  Indiana  Conference  Missionary  Society,  which  is  auxil- 
iary to  the  Parent  Missionary  Society,  has  been  a  great  factor  in 
promoting  the  missionary  interests  of  the  Conference,  especially 
in  securing  the  funds  needed  for  the  proper  prosecution  of  the 
work.  The  society  has  been  earnestly  advocating  the  adoption  of 
the  Duplex  Envelope  System,  which  provides  for  the  weekly 
method  of  giving  toward  benevolences  and  missions,  and  are  re- 
joiced that  the  leading  churches  in  the  Conference  have  adopted 
the  plan.  Also  great  stress  has  been  laid  upon  the  early  payment 
of  missionary  money  into  the  missionary  treasury,  so  that  the 
missionaries  can  be  paid  their  needed  salaries. 

The  following  items  of  interest  occurred  during  the  years : 
At  the  close  of  the  Civil  War  the  Conference  decided  to  support 

27 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

a  mission  among  the  "Freed  Negroes,"  as  soon  as  the  Board  of 
Missions  saw  fit  to  establish  such  a  mission,  but  the  Board  never 
saw  fit!  In  1866  Jacob  Henn  visited  this  Conference  as  repre- 
sentative of  the  Central  Pennsylvania  Conference,  soliciting  funds 
for  the  building  of  a  church  and  launching  a  mission  in  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.  He  was  received  with  open  arms  and  allowed  to  collect 
throughout  the  Conference  for  said  project.  After  a  few  years 
the  field  was  abandoned  and  the  mission  came  to  naught.  In  '75 
the  missionary  visions  were  numerous  and  almost  as  futile  as 
numerous.  St.  Louis,  Mound  City,  Cairo,  Richmond  and  Logans- 
port  were  among  those  that  sprang  up  like  mushrooms  over  night, 
and,  alas !  melted  away  almost  as  fast,  save  one,  and  this  one  has 
been  a  mission  for  over  forty  years.  In  one  year  alone  $2,438  was 
appropriated  to  these  four  fruitless  missions,  not  to  mention  the 
drain  they  were  upon  the  treasury  for  years.  It  has  been  the  con- 
viction of  many  that  St.  Louis  should  have  been  continued  as  a 
mission.  Cincinnati,  West  Louisville,  Laporte,  West  Indianapo- 
lis, Cumberland,  Cleveland  and  Chattanooga,  Tennessee,  were  other 
missions  in  the  same  category.  The  church  in  North-east  Indian- 
apolis was  wrecked  by  a  tornado  and  sold  to  negroes  and  the  field 
abandoned.  West  Louisville  Mission  was  given  up  in  despair.  La- 
porte and  Vandalia  churches  were  sold  and  the  proceeds  applied  to 
the  Conference  debt.  Cincinnati  Mission  seemed  unpromising, 
and  being  greatly  involved  financially,  was  ordered  sold.  Muncie 
Church  was  sold  also,  and  the  field  abandoned. 

In  1910  a  very  important  standing  committee  was  appointed, 
known  as  the  "Committee  on  Location  and  Erection  of  Churches." 
This  committee,  consisting  of  the  presiding  bishop,  the  presiding 
elders  and  the  pastor  and  trustees  where  the  church  is  to  be  built, 
has  for  its  aim  the  proper  locating  of  missions  and  erecting  of 
churches.  Premature  and  unwise  locations  are  thus  avoided  and 
many  errors  guarded  against. 

That  there  have  been  many  fruitful  and  promising  missions 
launched,  is  a  fact  that  causes  us  much  joy,  and  especially;  do  we 
feel  elated  over  the  missions  established  in  recent  years,  and  that 
some  of  the  "everlasting  ones"  are  getting  new  buildings  and  be- 
coming stations.  For  a  complete  list  of  these  missions,  see  "Mis- 
sions, Stations  and  Circuits,"  found  elsewhere  in  this  volume. 

The  Conference  has,  likewise,  taken  very  active  part  in  the 
work  of  foreign  missions ;  especially  have  our  young  people  done 
a  splendid  work  in  supporting  a  missionary  of  their  own.  We  are 
highly  gratified  that  Indianapolis  First  Church  supports  two  mis- 
sionaries on  the  foreign  field,  and  trust  that  the  time  will  soon 

28 


MISSIONARY  OPERATIONS  AND  EXPANSION 

come  when  more  of  our  individual  churches  will  have  a  "living- 
link." 

In  1913  the  constitution  of  the  Conference  Missionary  Society 
was  so  revised  as  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  present.  It  was  drawn 
up  by  Presiding  Elder  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  and,  with  slight  alter- 
ations, adopted  as  follows : 

REVISED    CONSTITUTION    OF    THE    INDIANA    CONFERENCE    MISSIONARY 

SOCIETY 

Article  1 — This  society  shall  be  called  the  Indiana  Conference 
Missionary  Society,  auxiliary  to  the  Missionary  Society  of  the 
Evangelical  Association. 

Article  2 — The  purpose  of  this  society  is  to  devise  ways  and 
secure  funds  for  the  successful  prosecution  of  her  work  within 
the  bounds  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  under  the  direction  of  the 
General  Board  of  Missions. 

Article  3 — Each  member  of  this  society  shall  pay  annually  a 
specified  amount  for  the  support  of  the  society. 

Article  4 — The  management  of  the  business  of  the  society 
shall  be  in  the  hands  of  its  officers,  who  shall  consist  of  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  who  shall  be  elected  an- 
nually by  a  majority  vote. 

Article  5 — All  "preachers-in-charge"  of  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence shall  be  the  authorized  agents  of  the  society  to  form  auxil- 
iaries and  solicit  contributions  from  all  church-members  of  their 
charge,  making-  an  earnest  effort  to  exceed  the  minimum  sum  ap- 
portioned by  the  Conference  to  the  field.  Any  minister  failing- 
to  do  his  duty  in  this  matter  shall  be  reported  to  the  society  by 
the  secretary. 

Article  6 — The  members  of  this  society  shall  meet  on  Wed- 
nesday, 9  a.  m.,  previous  to  the  opening  of  the  Conference  sessions, 
at  the  place  where  Conference  sessions  are  held,  for  the  transac- 
tion of  the  business  of  the  society,  and  make  arrangements  for 
the  annual  missionary  meeting,  which  shall  be  held  dui'ing  the 
Conference  session. 

Article  7 — This  society,  through  its  secretary,  shall  send  to 
the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  General  Missionary  Society 
an  annual  report  of  the  transaction  of  business.  Also  a  report 
of  the  treasurer  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  missionary  treasurer. 

Article  8 — The  president  shall  preside  at  all  of  the  meetings, 
and  in  his  absence  the  vice-president.  In  the  absence  of  both,  the 
society  shall  elect  one  of  its  members  as  chairman  pro  tern.    It  is 

29 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

the  duty  of  the  president  to  preach  a  missionary  sermon  at  the 
annual  meeting,  or  appoint  some  minister  thereto. 

Article  9 — This  society  has  power  to  adopt  such  by-laws  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  management  of  her  business  and  the 
successful  prosecution  of  all  her  interests  to  the  consummation 
of  the  object  of  its  existence.  However,  they  shall  not  conflict 
with  the  constitution  of  the  Missionary  Society  of  the  Evangelical 
Association. 

Article  10 — This  constitution  can  be  changed  or  amended 
only  by  a  two-thirds  majority  vote. 

Article  11 — The  sum  of  $15.00  paid  at  one  time  entitles  the 
donor  to  a  life  membership  in  this  society. 

Article  12 — That  a  missionary  auxiliary  shall  be  formed  by 
the  pastor  in  the  first  quarter  of  each  Conference  year,  in  any 
society  where  $5.00  is  subscribed,  and  monthly  missionary  meet- 
ings shall  be  held  by  the  president  of  the  auxiliary,  or  some  one 
appointed  by  him,  and  voluntary  offerings  shall  be  taken,  and  pay- 
ments be  made  on  subscriptions  given. 

Article  13 — That  all  Sunday-schools  of  the  Conference  shall 
contribute  annually  five  (5)  cents  per  member  or  more  (members 
of  the  Home  and  Cradle  Roll  Departments,  not  to  be  included), 
for  the  support  of  such  mission,  on  their  respective  presidi'ig  elder 
district,  as  designated  annually  by  the  Conference  Sunday-school 
Board,  and  approved  by  the  Annual  Conference. 

And  that  each  Sunday-school  that  contributes  five  (5)  cents 
per  member  shall  be  designated  as  a  Star  Sunday-school.  All 
moneys  as  raised  shall  be  applied  to  the  district  to  which  the 
schools  belong,  but  shall  be  paid  to  the  secretary  and  treasurer 
of  the  society  for  record,  and  be  distributed  as  directed  by  the 
Conference  Sunday-school  Board. 

Article  14 — The  delegate  to  the  Board  of  Missions  shall  be 
elected  by  ballot.  He  shall  give  a  report  of  such  work  of  the  Gen- 
eral Board  of  Missions  that  vitally  pertains  to  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference missionary  work. 

Article  15 — Each  missionary  shall  annually  present  a  written 
report  of  the  state  of  his  mission  to  the  Committee  on  State  of 
Missions  at  the  annual  business  meeting,  and  the  committee  re- 
port the  whole  to  the  Conference.  This  committee  shall  annually 
be  appointed  by  the  president  of  the  society. 

BY-LAWS 

1 — Subscriptions  given  by  lay-members,  at  the  annual  mis- 
sionary meeting,  shall  be  credited  to  their  respective  fields  as  ex- 

30 


MISSIONARY  OPERATIONS  AND  EXPANSION 

tras,  and  shall  not  be  included  in  the  apportionment  to  the  field, 
excepting  to  such  societies  as  entertain  the  Conference. 

2 — All  local  auxiliary  subscriptions  given  shall  be  paid,  if 
possible,  on  or  before  July  1st,  October  1st,  January  1st,  and 
March  25th,  to  the  local  missionary  secretary,  who  shall  remit  the 
money  on  hand,  on  above  dates,  to  the  pastor,  who  shall  promptly 
forward  the  same  to  the  Conference  missionary  secretary.  The 
missionary  secretary  shall  order  paid,  on  request,  within  ten  days 
after  the  above  dates,  an  equal  per  cent  to  the  missionaries  on 
their  appropriations  of  the  moneys  on  hand,  unless  missionaries 
voluntarily  waive  this  right  in  preference  to  others. 

3 — All  money  received  for  the  Missionary  Society  of  the  In- 
diana Conference,  from  Sunday-schools,  Woman's  Missionary  So- 
cieties, and  all  individual  gifts,  bequests  and  annuities,  shall  be 
reported  to  the  annual  meeting,  and  shall  not  be  counted  as  a  part 
of  the  apportionment  to  the  field,  but  as  extras  from  the  field. 

4 — The  presiding  elders  shall  notify  the  pastors  of  the  fields, 
before  the  first  quarterly  meeting,  of  the  amount  of  the  appor- 
tionment to  their  fields.  On  the  second  round  they  shall  inquire 
of  the  pastors  if  the  auxiliaries  have  been  renewed,  and  subscrip- 
tions taken  for  the  support  of  missions,  and  at  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference the  president  shall  ask  how  many  monthly  missionary 
meetings  were  held  during  the  quarter,  and  what  is  the  condition 
of  the  society. 

At  the  session  of  1914,  a  forward  step  was  taken  that  put 
the  society  on  a  better  business  basis.  Especially  is  this  true  in 
regard  to  the  apportionment,  which  from  now  on  is  to  be  in  ex- 
cess of  the  appropriations.  Formerly  the  apportionment  was  con- 
siderably less  than  the  appropriations,  and  the  success  of  the  mis- 
sionary treasury  depended  upon  large  surpluses,  which  sometimes 
failed  to  appear.     The  resolution,  as  adopted,  reads  as  follows: 

Whereas,  The  time  seems  to  have  come  for  adopting  a  differ- 
ent method  to  secure  funds  necessary  for  our  Conference  mission- 
ary work,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  abandon  the  method  of  public  solicitation 
from  the  laity,  where  Conference  sessions  are  held  for  this  purpose 
and,  instead  authorize  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and  Ap- 
portionment to  raise  the  apportionment  to  the  fields  sufficiently  to 
balance  the  amount  that  was  usually  raised  on  Sunday  afternoons, 
and  that  this  go  into  effect  at  once,  that  the  subscriptions  made  by 
the  ministers  at  the  missionary  meeting  be  credited  on  the  appor- 
tionment of  each  charge. 

31 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Missions,   Stations  and  Circuits  Established 
Since  1852 

1852 — Evansville  as  a  mission. 

1853 — Olnej^  as  a  mission. 

1854 — South  Bend  and  Newville   (Linn  Grove)   as  missions. 

1855 — Indianapolis  and  Berrien   (Mich.)   as  missions. 

1856 — Dayton,  1st,  made  a  station.  The  entire  of  the  Miami 
Circuit  in  Ohio  was  ceded  back  to  the  Indiana  Conference. 
Clay  County  Mission  detached  from  Marshall  Circuit. 
Western  pait  of  Dubois  Circuit  was  made  into  Warrenton 
Circuit,  now  Elberfeld. 

1858 — Marshall  Circuit  was  divided  into  Marshall  and  Vandalia 
Missions.  Cicero  Mission  was  formed  out  of  western  part 
of  Whitewater  Circuit.  Waupecong  Mission  formed  from 
appointments  of  the  Fulton  Circuit  south  of  the  Wabash 
River. 

1859 — Defiance  Mission  was  formed  from  classes  east  of  the  St. 
Joseph  River,  belonging  to  DeKalb  Circuit.  Huntington 
Circuit  was  formed  out  of  the  western  part  of  St.  Mary 
Circuit.  Miami  Circuit  was  divided  into  Montgomery  Mis- 
sion and  Greenville  Circuit.  Olney  Mission  was  made  a 
circuit.  South  Bend  City  and  Kerstettler's  class  were  made 
a  mission. 

1860 — Dubois  Circuit  was  divided  into  Rockport  Mission  and 
Huntingburg  Circuit. 

1861 — Due  to  Civil  War  financial  crisis,  a  number  of  missions 
were  served  with  circuits.  The  eastern  part  of  Berrien 
Circuit  was  made  into  Bainbridge  Mission.  Ionia  Mission 
was  formed  from  the  northern  part  of  Calhoun  Mission. 

]862 — Cicero  Mission  was  made  into  a  circuit.  Lafayette,  Cov- 
ington and  Danville,  111.,  were  made  a  mission,  Bainbridge 
was  reincorporated  with  Berrien. 

1863 — Rockport  Mission  was  reformed.  Mississinawa  and  Van 
Wert  Missions  were  made.  South  Bend  City  was  again 
made  a  mission. 

1864^ — Louisville,  Ky.,  Richmond  and  Medaryville  vicinity  were 
constituted  as  missions.  Montgomery  Mission  was  made  a 
circuit.  Lima  Circuit  was  formed  out  of  Van  Buren,  Lake 
Pleasant  and  Brookville  classes.  Michigan  Conference  was 
organized    with    Berrien,    St.    Joseph,    Lima    Circuits    and 

32 


NEW  MISSIONS,  STATIONS  AND  CIRCUITS 

Kalamazoo  and  Ionia  Missions  from  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence. 

1865 — St.  Joseph  District  was  named  Elkhait  District.  Van  Wert 
Mission  was  made  a  circuit.  St.  Louis  was  taken  up  as  a 
mission  on  paper  only! 

1866 — Indianapolis,  1st,  was  made  a  station.  Pulaski  Circuit  and 
N.  Liberty  Mission  were  formed. 

1867 — South  Bend  Mission  was  changed  to  a  station.  Carmi  and 
Defiance  Missions  became  circuits.  Ft.  Wayne  and  Elk- 
hart cities  w^ere  taken  up  as  new  mission  appointments. 
Cumberland  Mission  was  formed.  N.  Liberty  Mission  was 
discontinued.  Conference  was  redistricted  into  four  dis- 
tricts. 

1868 — Mt.  Carmel  was  made  a  station.  West  Salem  Circuit  was 
formed  from  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit.  Marshall  Mission  was 
made  a  circuit.  Wabash  Mission  near  Lafayette  was  di- 
vided into  Danville  and  Spring  Grove  Missions.  Twin  Lake 
Circuit  was  formed  from  the  Fulton  Circuit  north  of  the 
Tippecanoe  River.  Medaryville  Mission  was  formed  (San 
Pierre) .     Huntington  Mission  was  made  a  circuit. 

1869 — Huntingburg  Circuit  was  made  a  station.  A  new  mission 
was  to  be  located  in  south-east  Dayton,  but  failed  to  mate- 
rialize. 

1870 — Danville  Mission  was  discontinued.  Cehna  Mission  was 
formed  from  the  southern  points  of  Van  Wert  Circuit. 

1871 — A  new  mission  was  established  inthenorth-eastendof  Indian- 
apolis, but  was  discontinued  after  the  church  edifice  had  been 
damaged  by  a  tornado.  Richmond  Mission  was  made  a  part  of 
Montgomery  Circuit.  Sulphur  Spring  appointment  was  added 
to  Indianapolis  Mission.  Van  Wert  city  and  vicinity  became 
a  mission.     Waupecong  Mission  became  a  circuit. 

1872 — Olney  and  Louisville  Missions  were  made  stations.  West 
Louisville  Mission  was  located.  Wabash  Mission  was 
formed.  Medaryville  Mission  became  a  circuit.  New  Paris 
and  Silver  Lake  Circuits  were  formed. 

1873 — Brazil  Mission  was  formed  from  classes  east  of  State  line 
from  the  Marshall  Circuit.  Waterloo  and  Kendallville 
Circuits  were  formed  from  DeKalb  Circuit.  Richmond  and 
Winchester  Missions  were  formed.  South  Bend  Mission 
was  discontinued  and  incorporated  with  the  station. 

1874 — St.  Louis  was  again  to  be  taken  up  as  a  mission!  Mound 
City  and  Cairo  Mission  was  established  in  southern  Illinois. 
Decatur  Mission   was  formed.     Elkhart   Mission   with   the 

33 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Schwartz  class  was  made  a  station,  and  the  Conference  loan 
of  $448.00  was  donated.  Mishawaka  and  Coal  Bush  were 
made  a  mission.  Elkhart  English  and  Loose  class  became 
Watchtower  Mission.    Logansport  Mission  was  formed. 

1875 — Mound  City  and  Cairo  Missions  were  made  Jonesboro  Mis- 
sion. Murphysboro  was  taken  up  as  a  new  mission.  Lake 
Creek  in  Williams  Co.,  111.,  was  taken  up  as  a  new  mission. 
Celina  Mission  became  a  circuit.  Conference  was  redis- 
tricted  into  five.  Conference  asked  the  formation  of  the 
South  Indiana  Conference. 

1876 — South  Indiana  Conference  formed  from  the  appointments 
along  the  lower  Wabash  River  valley,  together  with  those 
in  southern  Indiana  and  Illinois,  Cincinnati  and  northern 
Kentucky.  Laporte,  Ind.,  was  taken  up  as  new  mission, 
but  soon  discontinued. 

1877 — Some  changes  in  boundary  were  made. 

1878 — Decatur  Mission  was  reincorporated  with  St.  Mary. 

1879 — North  Webster  Mission  was  formed. 

1880 — Winchester  and  Emmettsville  classes  formed  a  new  mission. 
N.  Liberty  Mission  was  formed.  Spring  Grove  Mission  was 
discontinued.    Richmond  was  added  to  E.  Germantown. 

1881 — Rochester  and  Royal  Center  Missions  were  formed. 

1882 — Logansport  and  Royal  Center  Missions  were  made  Logans- 
port  Mission.    Berne  was  added  to  Decatur  Mission. 

1883 — Medaryville  Circuit  with  Laporte  Mission  was  reformed  into 
Medaryville  and  Laporte  Mission. 

1884 — Tippecanoe  Circuit  was  formed. 

1885 — Wanatah  Mission  was  reformed.  Rochester  Circuit  was 
made.  Hicksville  and  Portland  were  taken  up  as  new  mis- 
sions. A  mission  was  to  be  located  in  western  Indianapolis, 
which  failed  to  appear. 

1886 — West  Point  Mission  was  formed.  Some  boundaries  were 
changed. 

1887 — Kendallville  Circuit  was  divided  into  Wolcottville  Circuit 
and  Kendallville  Mission. 

1888 — Cleveland,  Tenn.,  and  a  class  in  Georgia  became  a  mission 
field.  This  field  had  to  be  abandoned,  because  our  people 
who  had  settled  there  removed  to  the  North,  and  there  was 
no  nucleus  with  which  to  work. 

1890 — A  few  changes  in  boundaries  were  made. 

1891 — Wanatah  and  Medaryville  were  made  Medaryville  Circuit. 
Nappanee  Mission  was  formed.    Rochester  and  Elkhart  Mis- 

34 


NEW  MISSIONS,  STATIONS  AND  CIRCUITS 

sions  were  made   stations.     Slight   changes   in   boundaries 
were  made. 

1892 — Nappanee  City  was  to  be  a  separate  mission. 

1893 — The  South  Indiana  Conference  was  reincorporated  with  the 
Indiana  Conference.  Owensboro  and  Rockport  were  consol- 
idated and  named  Owensboro  Mission.  Grayville  and  En- 
terprise were  made  into  Grayville  Mission.  Indianapolis, 
2nd  Church,  was  located  as  a  mission.  Elkhart,  Division 
St.,  Station,  was  made  a  mission.  Mizpah,  South  Bend,  was 
established  as  a  mission.  Berne  was  made  a  mission.  St. 
Mary's  Circuit  was  dismembered  and  its  classes  added  to 
other  fields.  Louisville  District  was  made  to  embrace  the 
former  South  Indiana  Conference,  except  Brazil,  which  was 
added  to  the  Indianapolis  District. 

1894 — Elkhart  South  Side  and  Cumberland  Missions  were  formed. 

1896 — Van  Wert  Mission  was  made  a  circuit.  Cumberland  Mis- 
sion discontinued.  West  Salem  and  Lancaster  were  made 
into  West  Salem  Circuit. 

1897 — Conference  was  made  into  four  districts.  Old  missions 
were  consolidated  and  Owensboro  discontinued. 

1898 — Lake  Bruce  and  Defiance  Missions  were  changed  to  circuits, 
Peru  and  New  Harmony  were  taken  up  as  new  missions. 
Olney  was  made  a  station. 

1899 — Old  circuits  and  missions  were  reformed. 

1900 — Paulding  Mission  was  formed.  Twin  Lakes  named  Culver 
Circuit. 

1901 — Some  boundaries  changed.  Medaryville  was  named  San 
Pierre.  Elkhart  South  Side  and  New  Harmony  were  dis- 
continued as  missions.  Beulah  Chapel  in  South  Bend  was 
added  to  N.  Liberty. 

1902 — Bremen,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel  and  Urbana  were  made  stations. 
Young  People's  Alliance  mission  at  Kokomo  was  launched. 

1903 — Syracuse  was  made  a  mission.  N.  Liberty  was  changed  to 
West  South  Bend  Mission.  Yellow  River  Mission  to  Bremen 
Mission.     Mt.  Carmel  was  made  a  station. 

1904 — Grand  Victory,  Union  Center  and  St.  Paul  were  made  into 
Cavett  (now  Scott)  Mission.  Vera  Cruz  was  renamed  Linn 
Grove.  Elkhart  South  Side  and  South  Bend  Beulah  were 
made  a  mission. 

1905 — Cavett  Mission  was  named  Scott.  Ridgeville  with  Emmetts- 
ville  was  made  Emmettsville  Mission. 

35 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1906 — Bethel  in  Elkhart  was  organized  and  with  Salem  of  Misha- 
waka  Circuit  was  constituted  a  mission,  called  Bethel.  Day- 
ton Wayne  Avenue  and  Berne  were  made  stations. 

1907 — Olney  Mission  and  West  Salem  Circuit  were  made  stations. 
Hicksville  was  discontinued  as  a  separate  mission. 

1908 — Spikerville,  now  Wabash  Circuit,  was  newly  formed.  Bound- 
aries were  changed.  Second  Young  People's  Alliance  mis- 
sion was  taken  up  in  Ft.  Wayne  and  named  Crescent  Ave. 

1909 — Gary  was  to  be  taken  up,  but  proved  to  be  inexpedient.  Cal- 
vary and  Salem  of  Defiance  Circuit  were  made  to  form  De- 
fiance Circuit,  and  the  remaining  classes.  Defiance  Mission. 
Ohio  City  Circuit  was  formed. 

1910 — Lakeville  and  Chattanooga  Missions  were  formed.  Lydick 
was  added  to  Beulah  South  Bend.  St.  Peter's  was  made  a 
station.  Mt.  Carmel  was  again  made  a  station.  Ft.  Recov- 
ery was  named  Portland  Circuit. 

1911 — South  Kokomo  Mission  was  formed.  A  new  mission  was  lo- 
cated in  Celina  City.  Kendallville  became  a  station.  Avilla 
and  Garret  a  mission. 

1912 — Paradise  and  Trout  Creek  classes  were  transferred  from 
the  Michigan  Conference  and  added  to  Bethel  Elkhart.  No- 
blesville  City  was  discontinued, 

1913 — Culver  society  was  made  a  station,  Hopewell,  a  Presbyte- 
rian society,  was  added,  to  be  served  with  Avilla.  Bippus 
and  Ridgeville  Missions  were  formed  into  circuits.  Camp 
Creek  and  Altamont  were  consolidated.  Brazil  City  was 
made  a  mission.    Evansville  Mission  was  made  a  station. 

1914 — Markle  was  made  a  station.  Zion,  near  Markle,  a  separate 
field.    A  new  mission  was  launched  in  Evansville  City. 

1915 — Rochester  Circuit  was  formed  from  Jerusalem,  Zion,  Grand 
View  and  Pleasant  Valley  from  Culver  Circuit.  Hicksville 
and  Defiance  Mission  were  made  into  Hicksville  and  Defiance 
Circuit.  Trinity  from  Wolcottville  was  attached  to  Water- 
loo and  called  Waterloo  Mission.  Berne  Circuit  was  formed 
from  Vera  Cruz  appointment  of  Linn  Grove,  Salem  from 
Decatur  and  the  Chattanooga  Circuit.  Cambridge  City  was 
taken  up  as  a  mission. 


36 


CONFERENCE  CHURCH  DEBT 


The  Conference  Church  Debt 

N.  B. — TJiis  debt  Jias  no  reference  to  the  current  debt  made  by  the 
purcJiase  of  Oakivood  Park  and  its  infiprovennents. 

Like  a  mill-stone  hanged  about  the  neck,  the  enormous  church 
debt  hung  about  the  neck  of  the  Conference.  Progress  was  an 
impossibility  so  long  as  the  weight  remained,  and  retrogression 
seemed  inevitable.  Already  in  the  year  1874,  every  traveling 
preacher  was  assessed  $5.00  to  meet  the  accruing  interest  on  the 
debt,  which  was  growing  at  an  enormous  rate. 

The  debt  was  created  in  the  following  manner: — When  new 
missions  were  launched,  demanding  church  and  parsonage  build- 
ings, the  Conference  got  beneath  the  project,  borrowed  the  money 
and  advanced  it  for  the  mission  in  question.  If  the  project  failed, 
as  many  of  them  did,  the  burden  rested  upon  the  Conference.  Lou- 
isville Zion  project  and  that  of  Cincinnati  will  furnish  concrete 
illustrations,  the  one  case,  Louisville  Zion,  where  the  investment 
proved  a  success,  and  the  other,  that  of  Cincinnati,  which  proved  a 
dismal  failure. 

Louisville  Zion  Church  Project. — A  committee,  consisting  of 
Melchior  Mayer,  Jos.  Fisher  and  John  Fuchs,  was  appointed  in 
1866  to  look  after  the  work  in  Louisville,  in  view  of  permanently 
locating  a  mission  there  and  securing  a  church  property.  The  com- 
mittee reported  that  the  prospects  were  exceedingly  good,  that  a 
membership  of  40  was  already  in  hand,  and  the  indications  for 
future  growth  flattering.  There  was  a  church  building,  located  on 
Walnut  St.,  just  east  of  Campbell,  in  which  they  had  been  holding 
services,  which  was  for  sale,  and  the  committee  recommended  that 
the  Conference  borrow  the  money  and  purchase  the  same.  Fur- 
thermore, the  committee  recommended,  that  since  the  property 
could  be  purchased  much  cheaper  by  paying  cash  for  it,  that  the 
same  be  done,  and  as  much  money  be  raised  on  the  field  during  the 
j^ear  as  possible.  The  report  was  adopted,  and  the  committee  con- 
tinued with  instructions  to  purchase  the  same.  The  committee  met 
at  Louisville  in  October,  1866,  with  the  intention  of  purchasing  the 
property;  however,  Mr.  F.  Schmidt  now  refused  to  sell  it  at  the 
price  offered,  $5,000,  claiming  that  he  had  received  an  offer  of 
$6,000.  A  careful  search  of  the  city  was  made  for  another  build- 
ing which  might  be  bought,  rented  or  merely  used  as  a  place  of 
worship.  Failing  in  this,  it  was  considered  advisable  to  purchase 
said  church  from  Mr.  Schmidt.     It  was  finally  secured  for  the  sum 

37 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

of  $5,500,  including  a  parsonage  on  the  same  lot.  Some  necessary 
improvements  were  made,  and  all  financed  by  the  Conference. 

The  movement  was  a  success  from  the  very  beginning,  and 
had  all  the  undertakings  of  the  Conference  in  this  line  panned  out 
as  this  one,  there  never  would  have  been  any  Conference  debt  to 
hinder  and  harass.  But,  alas!  too  often,  where  intentions  and 
even  indications  were  as  good  as  those  in  Louisville,  they  ended  in 
dismal  failure,  and  if  the  Conference  had  not  ceased  this  method 
of  procedure,  bankruptcy  would  have  been  the  logical  result. 

At  Cinciniiati ,  in  1868,  there  was  an  indebtedness  of  $3,128 
resting  upon  the  mission  church,  and  Conference  ordered  the 
amount  to  be  borrowed  for  one  year,  at  reasonable  interest,  only 
to  experience  that  year  after  year  the  indebtedness  increased.  A 
special  committee  was  appointed  to  look  after  the  finances  of  this 
church,  and  also  to  determine  the  feasibility  of  relocating.  In 
1871,  twenty-nine  preachers  obligated  themselves  to  pay  $50  each 
toward  the  indebtedness  of  the  Cincinnati  church,  but  as  the  years 
to  follow  only  saw  the  debt  increase,  the  project  was  abandoned, 
and  the  property  sold,  and  the  Conference  was  wiser,  but  not  richer, 
by  the  transaction.  The  church  in  Muncie  was  sold  for  the  same 
purpose. 

In  1876,  the  Conference  indebtedness  reached  the  enormous 
sum  of  $6,000.  In  '78,  it  was  $9,000,  and  each  minister  was  as- 
sessed $15  to  meet  the  heavy  interest.  For  a  number  of  years  the 
preachers  had  been  paying  $5  and  $10  apiece  for  this  purpose. 

It  was  painfully  evident  that  if  Conference  is  ever  to  do  any 
aggressive  work,  she  must  rid  herself  of  this  burden,  and  forestall 
any  such  experience  in  the  future.  Consequently,  in  1880,  J.  K. 
Troyer  was  elected  to  collect  funds  in  the  Conference  toward 
liquidating  the  debt.  The  effort  was  only  a  partial  success.  In 
'86,  the  Laporte  and  Vandalia  churches  were  sold  and  proceeds 
applied  to  the  indebtedness.  In  1901,  in  view  of  the  50th  anniver- 
sary of  the  Conference,  which  was  to  be  held  at  the  next  session, 
it  was  decided  to  celebrate  this  semi-centennial  by  liquidating  the 
debt.  Every  minister  assumed  a  commendable  amount,  the  mini- 
mum for  an  elder  being  $25,  for  a  deacon  $15,  and  $10  for  a  pro- 
bationer in  service.  The  total  amount  subscribed  by  the  preachers 
was  $1,900.  J.  M.  Haug  was  then  appointed  as  special  Conference 
collector  for  this  purpose,  who  spent  the  entire  year  in  canvassing 
pledges  throughout  the  Conference,  Everything  possible  was  done 
to  make  this  debt  a  thing  of  the  past.  Printed  appeals  were  sent 
out,  pastors  were  urged  to  press  the  matter,  and  any  preacher 
failing  to  do  his  utmost  in  the  cause  was  to  be  held  accountable  for 

38 


CONFERENCE  CHURCH  DEBT 

neglect.  Two  thousand  Conference  picturewS,  containing  the  like- 
nesses of  the  original  Indiana  Conference,  together  with  its  pre- 
siding Bishop,  and  those  in  active  service  in  1901  with  the  presid- 
ing Bishop,  were  printed,  and  every  lay  member  who  paid  $5 
toward  the  Conference  debt  received  a  picture,  gratis,  those  paying 
$2  received  one  for  25  cents,  and  those  giving  $1  received  one  for 
50  cents.  None  were  to  be  sold  for  less  than  $1.50.  The  many 
pictures  that  even  now  grace  Evangelical  homes  within  the  bounds 
of  the  Indiana  Conference  evidence  the  interest  taken  in  this  proj- 
ect. At  last  this  great  impediment  w^as  removed,  the  Conference 
breathed  more  freely,  and  was  in  condition  to  take  up  the  work 
of  expansion  in  an  aggressive  manner. 


39 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE— 1901 


14.  S.    II.  Baumgaitncr 

15.  Thos.  Finkbeiner 
Ki.  J.   O.  Hosier 

17.  S.    S.  Albert 

18.  E.   J.  Nitsche 

19.  L.    S.  Fisher 
•20.  W.    S.    Tracy 


21.  James    Wnles 

22.  W.    G.    Braecklv 

23.  H.  H.  Reinoehi 

24.  F.    Walmer 

25.  P.  L.  Browns 
2fi.  J.  W.  Feller 
27.  E.    Q.    Laiuleman 


28.  M.    L.    Scheidler 

29.  C.    D.   l{iggenl)erf 

30.  A.    J.    Wiesjahn 

31.  S.    C.    Cramer 

32.  F.   F.   McClure 

33.  E.    Werner 


40 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE— 1901 


34.  D.  S.    Oakes 

35.  J.  H.    Evans 

36.  D.  E.   Martz 

37.  H.   Schleucher 

38.  J.  E.   Stoops 

39.  J.  J.    Wise 

40.  L.  Nowinan 


41.  .v.    15.    Ilaist 

42.  W.    H.    Mvgrant 

43.  J.    M.    Smith 

44.  C.   H.   Burgener 

45.  J.    W.    Metzner. 

46.  E.    E.    Greiner 

47.  S.   I.  Zechiel 


4S.  1).  K.  Zechiel 
4!t.  J.  H.  Rilling 
51).   n.   B.   Koenig 

51.  W.    II.   Freshley 

52.  L.    J.    Ehrhardt 
oH.  C.    M.    Pierce 


41 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE— 1901 


42 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE— 1901 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Semi-Centennial  Anniversary  of  the  Indiana 
Conference 

As  the  Indiana  Conference  was  approaching  her  fiftieth  birth- 
day, preparations  began  to  be  made  to  properly  celebrate  the  same. 
The  session  of  1900  appointed  the  Presiding  Elders  and  the  Branch 
President  of  the  Young  People's  Alliance  as  a  committee  to  make 
proper  arrangements  for  the  same.  It  was  decided  at  the  session 
of  1901  to  liquidate  the  Conference  indebtedness  (which  see),  as 
one  feat  in  the  celebration.  The  other  arrangements  for  the  festi- 
val were  as  follows : — On  Thursday  evening  of  the  coming  session, 
in  1902,  a  special  jubilee  service  is  to  be  held,  presided  over  by  the 
Bishop,  and  opened  with  a  suitable  praise  service.  A  brief  histori- 
cal sketch  of  the  work  of  the  Evangelical  Association  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Conference  was  to  be  given  by  S.  H.  Baumgartner. 
Five-minute  addresses  on  "Pioneer  Days"  by  older  members  of 
Conference.  An  address  by  A.  S.  Fisher  on  "Present  Advantages 
and  Hindrances  in  Comparison  with  the  Times  of  our  Pioneers," 
was  to  follow.  As  Bishop  J.  J.  Esher  had  done  faithful  pioneer 
work  within  the  bounds  of  this  Conference  prior  to  its  formation, 
and  was  instrumental  at  the  General  Conference  of  1851  in  bring- 
ing the  Indiana  Conference  into  being,  a  special  invitation  was  ex- 
tended him  to  be  present  and  participate  in  the  festivity.  Like- 
wise the  three  charter  members  that  still  remained  were  cordially 
invited  to  attend  and  participate. 

The  occasion  was  duly  celebrated  by  the  liquidation  of  the 
Conference  debt,  and  by  the  holding  of  a  great  jubilee  service  at 
the  1902  session,  which  met  at  South  Bend  1st  Church.  Bishop 
Thomas  Bowman  presided  over  the  special  service,  and  began  with 
a  good  praise  meeting.  The  rest  of  the  program  was  carried  out 
as  had  been  planned,  with  the  exception  of  the  part  to  be  taken  by 
Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  who,  on  account  of  infirmities,  found  it  impos- 
sible to  be  present.  The  three  charter  members,  M.  W.  Steffey, 
who  was  a  constant  member  of  the  Conference,  J.  Keiper,  then  a 
member  of  the  Illinois  Conference  of  the  United  Evangelical 
Church,  and  Bernhard  Ruh,  who  was  a  member  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  but  who  returned  to  the  Evangelical  Association 
at  this  session,  were  present  and  added  greatly  to  the  interest  of 
the  occasion,  and  were  themselves  greatly  blessed  by  the  things 
they  saw  and  heard. 

D.  S.  Oakes  presented  the  following  jubilee  song,  which  was 
sung  with  vigor: 

44 


SEMI-CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

Jubilee  Song 

Melody :  "My  Country,  'Tis  of  Thee" 

We  sing-  our  natal  day, 
Which  God  in  his  good  way 

Our  fathers  gave: 
Our  Conference  to  frame, 
In  which  to  spread  his  fame, 
To  glorify  his  name 

And  souls  to  save. 

Ind'ana  Conference 

Is  not  a  child  of  chance, 

But  God's  own  plan. 
'Tis  fifty  years  agone 
Since  he  the  work  begun 
Through  men  of  brain  and  brawn, 

The  brave  "Thirteen" ! 

Behold  them  as  they  go 
Forth  seed  of  truth  to  sow, 

Pioneer  band : 
They  lift  the  standard  high ; 
They  Satan's  hosts  defy; 
They  raise  the  battle-cry, 

Throughout  the  land. 

God  gave  them  zeal  and  will, 
God  gave  them  strength  and  skill, 

True  fortitude. 
Fearless  of  drift  and  mud ; 
Fearless  of  heat  and  cloud ; 
Fearless  of  storm  and  flood. 

Dauntless  they  stood. 

Eager  for  souls  of  men, 
Through  trackless  wood  and  fen, 

They  made  their  way. 
God  heard  their  earnest  prayer; 
Granted  their  heart's  desire 
With  many  souls  as  hire 

In  the  great  day. 
45 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

We  reap  fruit  of  their  toils ; 
We  share  some  of  their  spoils ; 

Grateful  be  we ! 
Their  works  let's  imitate ! 
Their  spirit  emulate ! 
So  can  we  celebrate, 

True  jubilee. 

Be  Israel's  God  our  boast; 
He  led  a  conquering  host, 

Jehovah  Jah ! 
Be  he  our  sun  and  shield ! 
Then  every  foe  must  yield, 
And  we  possess  the  field ; 

Halleluiah! 

And  when  beneath  the  sun 
Our  work  for  him  is  done. 

He'll  bid  us  come, 
To  dwell  with  him  in  light ; 
With  all  his  armies  bright. 
We'll  sing  with  hosts  in  white 

Our  Harvest  Home. 


A  Child  of  Insomnia 

BY  REV.  D.  S.  OAKES 


Born  During  Semi-Ccmtennial  Anniversary  Session  at  South  Bend, 
Indiana,  on  the  Niglit  of  April  10,  1902 

Last  night,  as  I  lay  on  my  bed, 
Strange  thoughts  ran  rampant  through  my  head. 
And  then  the  more  I  tried  to  sleep 
The  less  I  them  in  check  could  keep ; 
To  rein  them  in  I  tried  my  best. 
But  they  ran  on  "like  all  possessed." 
And  then  I  saw  the  Conference 
Like  panorama  to  my  eyes : 
The  Bishop  sat  with  smiling  phiz 
Upon  that  chairman's  chair  of  his ; 
He  listened  here,  he  listened  there, 
If  any  "motion"  he  might  hear; 
And  if  a  timid  one  he'd  catch. 
He'd  "put  the  question"  with  dispatch. 

46 


SEMI-CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 

The  secretaries  sat  around 

Their  tables,  looking  most  profound ; 

There  sat  John  Henry,  chief  of  all, 

In  front  of  him  sat  Tom  the  tall ; 

In  fact  a  pair  that  can't  be  beat. 

And  that's  the  long  and  sJioii  of  it. 

They  can't  be  beat  in  this  I  ween, 

By  showing  color  in  their  mien ; 

For  when  they  think  thcifrc  "getting  whacks" 

They  are  just  like  two  great  jumping  jacks. 

And  Leo  J.  sat  there  atween 

The  other  two,  and  looked  serene, 

Until  some  funny  thing  he'd  hear, 

And  then  he  laughed  from  ear  to  ear. 

His  name  is  fierce,  "Lion,"  that's  it, 

But  lion  nature?    Not  a  bit. 

But  to  put  things  in  "Sharman,"  you  just  wait. 

If  he  hears  a  thing  he's  "got  him  sthrait." 

Then  the  statisticians,  my,  oh,  my! 
How  they  make  the  figures  fly ! 
Their  chief  looked  wise  as  any  owl. 
And  the  others  "made  things  howl"  ; 
In  work,  I  mean,  and  when  they're  done 
I'll  bet  a  burnt  cookie  they'll  have  the  fun 
To  make  their  figures  harmonize : 
('Twould  surely  be  a  great  surprise!) 

Back  at  the  window  sat  Henry  and  John ; 

Jolly  good  fellows,  and  chock  full  of  fun. 

But  "nary"  a  word  from  morning  till  night 

Did  they  utter  in  Conf'rence  to  show  they  were  bright. 

They're  "sharp  as  a  tack"  if  they'd  but  show  it, 

But  if  I  didn't  tell,  no  one  would  know  it. 

But  now  I  will  leave  them  alone  in  their  glory 

To  sit  there  in  silence  until  they  are  hoary. 

The  fellow  in  front  of  them  thinks  he  is  smart; 
If  he  were  younger  I'd  call  him  upstart. 
He  often  arises  to  speak  a  big  word. 
But  when  he  has  said  it,  'tis  thin  as  a  board. 
Who  is  he?   you  ask.    Well,  'tween  me  and  thee, 
That  great,  gawky  gump  is  simply  me. 

47 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Now  on  the  first  bench  what  did  I  see? 
Three  colleagues  of  mine,  that  M'ere,  or  now  be: 
"Three  Graces"  in  pants,  I'll  call  them !     I  guess 
That's  right;   if  it  ain't  I'll  confess 
"I'm  swamtoggled,"  so  I'll  give  each  a  name : 
Podgy  George,  Poitly  John,  Lanky  Sam, 
Now  you  will  know  them,  if  never  before ; 
Grand  men,  all  (when  asleep,  if  they  don't  snore). 
"Three  Graces." 

But  as  I  looked  farther  aback,  my. 

What  did  I  see  depicted  on  faces? 

Wit,  wisdom,  eloquence  and  power : 

Wonder  the  world  wasn't  taken  before ! 

My  vision  was  dimmed  now,  but  as  I  looked  over 

T'other  side  of  the  house,  I  still  could  discover 

A  few  prominent  ones,  who  prominent  were. 

Not  for  greatness  of  intellect  nor  abundance  of  hair: 

But  mountains  of  flesh,  they  towered  abroad 

Instead  of  upivards,  which  would  be  the  right  road. 

There  were  David  and  Daniel,  John,  Philip  and  James, 

And  various  others  with  unscriptural  names ; 

Some  ruddy,  some  pale,  some  long  and  some  short, 

With  heads,  faces,  bodies,  of  every  sort. 

There  were  stout  and  bow-legged,  lank  and  slim ; 

Some  seed,  unkempt,  some  dudishly  trim ; 

Some  whiskered,  some  mustached,  some  with  clean-shaven  face. 

Every  one  sitting  sedate  in  his  place; 

They  seemed  so  devoted,  each  one  and  all. 

As  if  they  were  subjects  "of  the  Divine  call." 

My  mental  steeds  now  have  ended  their  race, 

I  pillowed  my  head  to  sleep  a  brief  space. 

An  hour  or  two  I  spent  in  repose. 

Then  called  to  my  breakfast  I  quickly  arose : 

I  hastily  dressed,  my  breakfast  I  ate. 

And  got  into  Conference  just  five  minutes  late. 


48 


SEMI-CENTENNIAL  CELEBRATION 


The  following  interesting  statistics,  prepared  by  S.  H.  Baum- 
gartner,  indicate  the  progress  made  in  this  half  century : 


■apv 
-oap  qaBS  Suunp  pa^nqujuoo 
AeuoH    A'jBuoissijv;    }0    ■junouiy 

if 

6,378.44 
40,017.91 
45,753.03 
42,625.92 
84.176.20 

$218,951.50 

•apBoap  H0B3  }0  pua  aqj  ;b  sjb 
-foiios  jooqos-.'LBpung  jo  jaqiuu^s^ 

2,000 
5,080 
5,639 
8,375 
12,867 
33,961 

•apBoap   qoBB   jo  pua   aqj 
^B    siooqos-A'Bpung    }o    aaqiun^ 

•  -o  o  CO  >o  05  <n 

•  la  o  a)  i-(  ^  o 

•orqBA   po;Bun;s3  Jiaqx 

if 

23,950.00 
23,125.00 
30,125.00 
62,825.00 

$148,650.00 

■apBoap  qoB3   jo   pua 
aqj   ;b    S3SBU0S.IBJ   jo   jaqiunx 

•  O  CO  -*  C=  'CS     CO 

•  0-1  CO  C-l  IM  ^    1.-3 

•aiqBA   pa^Buiijsa   Jioqx 

•  CO  io  CO  Ol  O    7-^ 

:         rH  ,-^  Ol  CO     ~ 

■apBoap  qoBa   jo   pua 
aq:}    ;b     saqojnqQ     jo     jaqmnx 

•  CO  OC  r-  O  -*     5-, 

•  o  c:  =  .-  o   oi 

^  rH  i-H   o 

•apBoap  qoBa  Suijnp  uoijBxa.i 
[BDoi    ut    paip    oq.tt    saa^siuiK 

•  •  -C  -r  r^  Ol     O 

•  •                rH  rH     CO' 

•apBoap   qoBa  Suunp   ^jjo.u 
BApaE    ui    paip    oq'A\    saajsiuiK 

;rH^O,C0=.     C. 

•apBoap   qoBa  Suianp 
sjapia     pauiBpjo     JO     jaqiunx 

•OlOl^tOlCO     ^ 

•apBoap   qaBa  Suunp 
SUOOBBQ    pauiBp.io    JO    jaqiuiix 

•  CO  HlH  Ol  rH  fM     oi 
.  Ol  ?7  CO  CO  Hj*     -c 

•apc.^ap    qoBa   Suunp 
qoEajd     0}     pasuaoq     .laqiunx 

•  CO  ~.  CO  O  CO    l^ 

•  CO  O  Hji  .^  O     Ht- 

•apBoap  qaBa  jo  pua  aqj 
^B    >iJo.v\    aAipB    UI    saajsiuiK 

;A  CO  -S<  CO  ■*  t-    o 

•apBoap 
qoBa  Suunp  paip  oq.u  saaquiajt 

180 
591 
762 
789 
241 
3,563 

■apEaap   qoBa   jo 
pua  aqj  :jb  sjaquiaj^  jo  aaqiunx 

1,285 
4,067 
5,909 
5,(i93 
6,906 
10,549 
34,409 

•apBoap 
qoBa  JO}  suoissa.MV  }0  .laqumx 

164 
4,642 
6,137 
8,141 
7,625 
10,302 
37,347 

■ipBoap   qoBa 
joj     suoisadAuu.)     JO     .laquiux 

129 
3,328 
4,771 
6,207 
7,365 
10,366 
32,037 

< 

E 
>• 

1 852    Oi'gani/.cil    witli    

1862    

1872    

1892    

Total   in   50    Vc:ns    

02 

=3   3 


O    C    K 


SH5 


^--C   o  ^ 


!0>rH.*C;00000 


CD  tH  lO  r^  t 


.0010000 


S  ca  o  C.CJ 

-  °  T  c 


6       A  °  «  ^  -=. 

ta  s&H-Sl:-* 

,    -r,  sc^  ~  £>- 


^^5-S« 


^  <  :5  ^  c?  ?'.  Z  : 


-,    O    T   -^    r 


<.2  ■=  -2  ~ 


O  Ol 
>  X  UO 
)(Mr-  X 
<  O    .    rH 

;  5    I    C  .U 


o  c  —      c      •.= 


-■=  c-^ 


5-  4,  aj  .i  '^  ^ 


2.2  o  g 


49 


>c     i.     •^.--■■^.■'.~~'. 


=3  £  w  "  £"  =«=  - 

c  'H  's  •-■  '=  "  .s  S  °  "^  ° .- 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


The   Presiding  Elders  and  their  Districts 


A.rlen,  H 

Baumgarlner,  C,  C 
Baumgartner,  S.  H 


Berger,  J 

Bretsch,  Phil.  . 
Dickover,  Sam. 
Evans,  J.  H.  .  . 
Fisher,  H.  L.  . 
Fisher,   Joseph 
Fisher,  L.  S.   . 
Fuchs,  John    .  , 
Geist,  August 
Glaus,  Christ. 
Hansing,  C.  F. 

Haug,  John  M. 


Hoehn,  M 

Kiplinger,  E.  L. 


1899-1902;    Louisville, 
1902-04 ;     Indianapolis, 


Krueger,  M 

Mayer,  Melchior 
Martz,  D.  E 


Metzner,  J.  W.  . 
Hosier,  John 
Oakes,  D.  S.  ... 


Platz,  G.  G 

Roederer,  Geo.  .  . 
Schafer,  A.  B.  .  .  . 
Speicher,  Dan.  .  .  . 
Steffey,  M. . W.  . .  . 


Wise,  J.  J. 


.Indianapolis,   1889-02. 

.Indianapolis,  1879-82;  Elkhart,  1883-86. 

.Elkhart,   1899-02,   1905-06,   1915;   Ft.   Wayne, 

1903-04,  1912-14;  Evansville,  1909;  Indianapo- 
lis, 1910-11. 
.  Indianapolis,  1885-88. 
.Wabash,  1857-58. 

.St.  Joseph,  1852-54;  Wabash,  1855-56. 
.Ft.  Wayne,  1895-96;  Elkhart,  1897-98. 
.Elkhart,  1871;    Evansville,  1875. 
.St.  Joseph,  1859-62;   White  River,  1863-66. 
.Indianapolis,  1907-10, 
.  Indianapolis,  1871-74;   Olney,  1875. 
.Ft.  Wayne,  1887-90. 
.Wabash,  1852-54. 
.Indianapolis,    1893-95, 

1896-97. 
.  Louisville,     1893-95, 

1896. 
.Wabash,  1863-66. 
.Elkhart,   1872-74,   1879-82;  Ft.  Wayne,   1875- 

78;    Indianapolis,  1883-84. 
.Elkhart,   1867-70;   Indianapolis,    1875-78;    Ft. 

Wayne,  1879-82. 
.White  River,   1867-68;   Indianapolis,   1869-70; 

Evansville,  1871-74. 
.Elkhart,    1891-94;    Kendallville,    1895-98;    Ft. 

Wayne,  1905-07. 

.Elkhart,  1911-14;    Ft.  Wayne,  1915. 
.Elkhart,  1907-10. 
.Ft.  Wayne,  1883-86,  1892-94,  1899-02;  Elkhart, 

1887-90,  1895-96;  Indianapolis,  1897-98,  1903- 

05. 
.St.    Joseph,    1855-58;     White    River,    1859-62; 

Wabash,  1867-70. 
.Louisville,  1898-1901. 
.White  River,  1856-58. 
.Louisville,  1905-07;  Evansville,  '08. 
.Wabash,  1859-62;  St.  Joseph,  1863-64;  Elkhart, 

1865-66,  1875-78 ;    Ft.  Wayne,  1871-74. 
.Ft.  Wayne,  1908-1911;  Indianapolis,  1912-15. 
50 


PRESIDING  ELDER  DISTRICTS  AND  THE  ELDERS 

Presiding  Elder  Districts,  Together  with  the  Fields 
of  Labor,  and  the  Presiding  Elders  that  served  them 

(Fo)-  dates  whcm  the  Elders  served  them,  see  above  list) 

Elkhart  District— (1866-15),  Akron,  '88,  '01-15;  Benton,  '72- 
78;  Berne,  '93-94;  Bremen  (Yellow  River  Circuit),  '66-90, 
'97-15;  Bippus,  '05;  Bunker  Hill,  '87-90,  '11-13;  Cleveland, 
Tenn.,  '88-90 ;  Chattanooga,  Tenn.,  '89-90 ;  Common  Center, 
'12-15;  Culver  Circuit  (Twin  Lakes),  '68-15;  Culver  Sta- 
tion, '13-15;  Danville,  '68-69;  Dayton,  Wayne,  '92;  Decatur, 
'91;  Defiance  Circuit,  '66-70;  DeKalb  Circuit,  '66-71;  Elk- 
hart Circuit,  '66-73;  Elkhart,  Division,  '68-90,  '97-03;  Elk- 
hart, Watchtower,  '74-76,  '79-86;  '91-03;  Elkhart,  1st,  '04- 
15;  Elkhart,  Bethel,  '06-15;  Elkhart,  South  Side,  '93-00, 
'05-15;  Ft.  Wayne,  Bethel,  '67-70;  Fulton  Circuit,  '66-80; 
Gilead,  '73;  Huntington  Circuit,  '66-70,  '91-96;  Kendallville, 
'91-94;  Kokomo,  '11-13;  Lake  Bruce  (Leiter's  Ford),  '88- 
15;  Lakeville,  '10-15;  Laporte,  '76-85;  Logansport,  '74-90, 
'94,  '97-12,  '11-15;  Markle,  '92-94;  Mishawaka  Circuit,  '72- 
15;  M^'shawaka  Mission,  '83-87;  Nappanee  Station,  '91-96, 
'00-10;  Nappanee  Mission,  '11-15;  Nappanee  Circuit  (Bour- 
bon, Yellow  River  Mission,  Bremen  Mission),  '01-15;  New 
Paris,  '72-86,  '91-96,  '05-15;  North  Liberty,  '66,  '80,  '01,  '06- 
07;  North  Webster,  '91-96;  Peru,  '98,  '01-02,  '11-15;  Pulaski, 
'66-67;  Rochester  Circuit,  '81-00,  '09-15;  Rochester  Station, 
'85-15;  Royal  Center,  '81-82,  '90-92,  '96-15;  St.  Mary's,  '66- 
70;  St.  Louis,  '66;  Silver  Lake,  '72;  South  Bend  Circuit, 
'66-72;  South  Bend,  1st,  '66-90,  '97-15;  South  Bend,  Miz- 
pah,  '93-15;  South  Bend,  Grace,  '04-15;  West  South  Bend 
Circuit,  '03;  Spring  Grove,  '68-70;  Star  City,  '11;  Syracuse, 
'02-10,  '14-15;  San  Pierre  (Medaryville),  '66,  '68-72,  '83-90, 
'97-15;  Tippecanoe,  '84,  '01;  Urbana,  '92-94,  '03-04,  '11-15; 
Wabash,  '66-67,  '87-90,  '97-98,  '11-15;  Wabash  Circuit,  '11- 
15;  Wanatah,  '73-82,  '85-90,  '11-15;  Warsaw,  '77-78;  Water- 
loo, '91  ;  West  Point,  '87-88;  Waupecong,  '66;  Waterloo,  '91; 
Wolcottville,  '91. 

Presiding  Elders  that  have  served  this  district  are  the 
follovring:  M.  W.  Steffey,  M.  Krueger,  H.  L.  Fisher,  E.  L. 
Kiplinger,  M.  W.  Steffey,  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  C.  C.  Baumgart- 
ner,  C.  F.  Hansing,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J.  0.  Mosier,  J.  W. 
Metzner,  S.  H.  Baumgartner. 

51 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

EvANSViLLE  District— ('71-75,  '08-10),  Altamont,  '08-11;  Brazil, 
'73-75,  '08-11;  Carmi,  '71-75,  '08-11;  Camp  Creek,  '08-11; 
Cincinnati,  '75;  Enterprise,  '08-11;  Evansville,  '71-75,  '08- 
11;  Elberfeld  (Warrenton),  '71-75,  '08-11;  Grayville,  '08- 
11;  Huntingburg,  '71-75,  '08-11;  Lancaster,  '08-11;  Louis- 
ville, Trinity,  '08-11;  Louisville,  Zion,  '75,  '08-11;  Louisville, 
West  Side  Mission,  '75;  Marshall,  '71-75;  '08-11;  Mound 
City  and  Cairo,  '74-75;  Mt.  Carmel,  '71-75,  '08-11;  Olney 
Circuit,  '71-75;  Olney  Station,  '08-11;  Rockport,  '73-75,  '08- 
11;  Shelby,  '72-75;  St.  Louis,  '74-77;  Vandalia,  '71-75;  West 
Salem,  '71-75. 

Presiding  Elders  that  have  served  this  district  are  the 
following:  Melchior  Mayer,  H.  L.  Fisher,  D,  D.  Speicher, 
S.  H.  Baumgartner. 

Ft.  Wayne  District— ('71-96,  '99-15),  Avilla,  '11-15;  Berne,  '89, 
'99-15;  Berne  Circuit  (Chattanooga),  '10-15;  Bippus  (West 
Point),  '90,  '99-04,  '06-15;  Bremen,  '93-96;  Bunker  Hill,  '95- 
96;  Celina  Circuit,  '82-86,  '91-96,  '99-02,  '05-15;  Celina 
Mission,  '11-15;  Cicero,  '71-72;  Clear  Creek,  '89;  Danville, 
'72;  Dayton,  1st,  '14-15;  Dayton,  Wayne,  '14-15;  Decatur, 
'72-77,  '81,  '90-94,  '99-06,  '08-15;  Defiance  Circuit,  '71-94, 
'99-15;  Defiance  Mission,  '09-15;  DeKalb,  '72;  Edon,  '07; 
Edgerton,  '75-94,  '99-03,  '08-15;  Elkhart,  Division  St.,  '95- 
96 ;  Elkhart,  Watchtower,  '77-78,  '87-90 ;  Ft.  Wayne,  Bethel, 
'71-86,  '93-96,  '99-15;  Ft.  Wayne,  Crescent,  '10-15;  Green- 
ville, '11-15;  Hicksville,  '85-94,  '99-15;  Huntington,  '71-90, 
'99-15 ;  Kendallville,  '73-90,  '99-15 ;  Logansport,  '91-95-96 ; 
Markle,  '99-15;  Markle  Circuit,  '14-15;  Newville,  '71-86; 
New  Paris,  '87-90,  '99-15;  Noblesville,  '73-74,  '91,  '95-96; 
North  Webster,  '79-90,  '99-13;  Ohio  City,  '09;  Paulding,  '00- 
03;  Payne,  '91-94;  Phillipsburg,  '11-15;  Portland  Circuit 
(Ft.  Recovery),  '87-94,  '05-15;  Portland  Mission,  '87-94, 
'05-07,  '11-15;  Ridgeville,  '11-15;  Scott  (Cavett),  '04-15; 
Spring  Grove,  '71-79;  South  Bend,  1st,  '95-96;  San  Pierre 
(Medaryville),  '95-96;  St.  Mary,  '71-86,  '91-92,  '02;  St. 
Peters,  '10-15;  Syracuse,  '04,  '11-13;  Urbana,  '91;  Van 
Wert,  '71-86,  '91-96,  '99-15;  Vera  Cruz  (Linn  Grove),  '91- 
96,  '99-15;  Wanatah,  '95;  Wabash  Circuit,  '11-15;  Water- 
loo, '73-94,  '99-15;  Wabash,  '72-81,  '92,  '95-96;  Waupecong, 
'71 ;  Warsaw,  '71 ;  Wolcottville,  '87-90,  '92-94,  '99-15 ;  Win- 
chester, '95-96. 

52 


PRESIDING  ELDER  DISTRICTS  AND  THE  ELDERS 

The  Preskliyig  Elders  that  have  served  this  district  are 
the  following:  M.  W.  Steffey,  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  M.  Krueger, 
D.  S.  Oakes,  A.  Geist,  D.  S.  Oakes,  J.  H.  Evans,  D.  S.  Oakes, 
S.  H.  Baumgartner,  D.  Martz,  J.  J.  Wise,  S.  H.  Baiimgart- 
ner,  J.  W.  Metzner. 

Indianapolis  District— ('69-15),  Altamont,  '95-97,  '11-14;  At- 
lanta, '10;  Brazil,  '93-02,  '11-15;  Bremen,  '91-92;  Bunker 
Hill  (Waiipecong),  '69-70,  '72-86,  '92-95,  '97-10,  '14-15; 
Cambridge  City,  '15;  Camp  Creek,  '95-97,  '11-15;  Carmi, 
'11-15;  Celina  Circuit,  '70-81,  '88-90,  '97-98,  '03-04;  Cicero, 
'69-70,  '12-15;  Cincinnati,  '69-74;  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  and 
Chattanooga,  '91;  Cumberland,  '94-95;  Dayton,  1st,  '69-13; 
Dayton,  Wayne,  '88-13;  Decatur,  '07;  E.  Germantown,  '69- 
15;  Emmettsville,  '02-05;  Elberfeld,  '11-15;  Enterprise,  '11- 
15;  Evansville  Station,  '11-15;  Evansville  Mission,  '14-15; 
Elkhart,  Division  St.,  '91-95;  Ft.  Wayne,  Bethel,  '87-92, 
'97-98;  Grayville,  '11-15;  Greenville,  '69-70,  '72-80,  '86-89; 
Huntingburg,  '11-15;  Indianapolis,  1st,  '69-15;  Indianapo- 
lis, 2nd,  '93-15;  Indianapolis,  Grace,  '00-15;  Indianapolis, 
West  Side  Mission,  '71-80;  Julietta,  '76-92;  Kokomo,  '02- 
10,  '14-15;  Lancaster,  '11-13;  Logansport,  '03-10;  Louisville, 
Trinity,  '11-15;  Louisville,  Zion,  '69-74,  '11-15;  Louisville, 
West  Side  Mission,  '72-74;  Marshall,  '96-97,  '11-15;  Mont- 
gomery, '69-91,  93;  Mt.  Carmel,  '11-15;  Newville,  '69-70,  '87- 
90;  Noblesville,  '75-90, '92-95, '97-12  ;  Olney, '11-15  ;  Peru. '03- 
10;  Phillipsburg,  '02-10;  Portland  Circuit  (Ft.  Recovery), 
'81-84,  '85-86,  '97-04;  Portland  Mission,  '99-04,  '08-15; 
Richmond,  '69-70,  '73-79,  '83-90;  Ridgevilje,  '08-10;  Rock- 
port,  '11-15;  Royal  Center,  '07-10;  San  Pierre  (Medary- 
ville),  '91-95;  South  Bend,  1st,  '91-95;  Spikerville,  '08-10; 
Star  City,  '10;  St.  Mary,  '87-90;  Sulphur  Springs,  '69-70; 
Terre  Haute,  '95-02;  Urbana,  '99-02,  '05;  Van  Wert,  '69- 
70,  '87-90;  Vera  Cruz,  '97-98;  Wabash,  '82-86,  '91,  '93-95, 
'99-13;  West  Salem  Circuit,  '13-15;  West  Salem,  '11-15; 
West  Point,  '86 ;  Winchester,  '80-95,  '97. 

The  Presiding  Elders  that  have  served  this  district  are 
the  following:  M.  Mayer,  J.  Fuchs,  M.  Krueger,  C.  C. 
Baumgartner,  E.  L,  Kiplinger,  J.  Berger,  H.  Arlen,  C.  F. 
Hansing,  J.  M.  Haug,  D.  S.  Oakes,  C.  F.  Hansing,  D.  S. 
Oakes,  C.  F.  Hansing,  L.  S.  Fisher,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J. 
J.  Wise. 

53 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Kendallville  District — ('95-98),  Berne,  '95-98;  Decatur,  '95- 
98;  Defiance  Circuit,  '95-98;  Edgerton,  '95-98;  Hicksville, 
'95-98;  Huntington,  '97-98;  Kendallville,  '95-98;  Markle, 
'95-98;  Nappanee,  '97-98;  New  Paris,  '97-98;  North  Web- 
ster, '98;  Payne,  '95-98;  Portland  Circuit,  '95-96;  Portland 
Mission,  '95-98;  Urbana,  '95-98;  Van  Wert,  '97-98;  Water- 
loo, '95-98 ;  West  Point,  '97-98 ;  Wolcottville,  '95-98. 

The  Presiding  Elder  that  served  this  district  was  D. 
Martz. 

Louisville  District— ('93-07),  Altamont,  '93,  '94,  '97-07;  Brazil, 
'03-07 ;  Camp  Creek,  '93,  '94,  '97-07 ;  Carmi,  '93-07 ;  Elber- 
feld  (Tabor),  '93-07;  Enterprise,  '94-07;  Evansville,  '93- 
07;  Grayville,  '93-07;  Huntingburg,  '93-07;  Lancaster,  '93- 
07 ;  Louisville,  Trinity,  '93-07 ;  Louisville,  Zion,  '93-07 ;  Mar- 
shall, '93,  '94,  '97-07;  Mt.  Carmel,  '93-07;  New  Harmony, 
'98-00  ;  Olney,  '93-07  ;  Owensboro,  '93-96  ;  Rockport,  '94-07  ; 
Terre  Haute,  '93,  '94,  '03-07 ;  West  Salem,  '93-07. 

The  Presiding  Elders  that  have  served  on  this  district 
are  these :  J.  M.  Haug,  C.  F.  Hansing,  Geo.  Roederer,  J.  M. 
Haug,  D.  D.  Speicher. 

Olney  District — ('75),  Jonesboro,  '75;  Lake  Creek,  '75;  Mar- 
shall, '75;  Murphysboro,  '75;  Olney,  '75;  Shelby,  '75;  St. 
Louis,  '75 ;  Vandalia,  '75 ;  West  Salem,  '75. 

The  Presiding  Elder  that  served  on  this  district  was 
John  Fuchs. 

St.  Joseph  District — ('52-65),  Berrien,  '55-63;  Bainbridge,  '61; 
Calhoun,  '57- (Kalamazoo) -63 ;  DeKalb,  '52-65;  Defiance 
Circuit,  '59-65;  Elkhart  Circuit,  '52-65;  Fulton,  '52-65; 
Huntington  Circuit,  '53-65;  Ionia,  '61-63;  Medaryville 
(Portland),  '64-65;  Newville,  '54-55,  '64-65;  South  Bend, 
1st,  '60,  '63-65;  South  Bend  Circuit,  '55-65;  St.  Joseph,  '56- 
63;  St.  Mary,  '52-55,  '64-65;  Waupecong,  '58-60,  '63-65; 
Yellow  River  Circuit,  '57-65. 

The  Presiding  Elders  that  have  served  this  district  are : 
S.  Dickover,  G.  G.  Platz,  Joseph  Fisher,  M.  W.  Steffey. 

Wabash  District— ('52-70),  Carmi,  '57-70;  Clay  County,  '56-68; 
Dubois,  '52-59;  Evansville,  '52-70;  Hamilton,  '52-55;  Hunt- 
ingburg, '60-70;  Marshall,  '52-70;  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit,  '52- 

54 


PRESIDING  ELDER  DISTRICTS  AND  THE  ELDERS 

68;  Mt.  Carmel  Station,  '69-70;  Olney  Circuit,  '53-70; 
Rockport, '60, '68-70;  Shelby, '67-70  ;  St.  Louis, '65;  Vandalia, 
'58-70;  Wabash,  '62;  West  Salem,  '68-70;  Warrenton  (El- 
berfeld),  '55-70;  Whitewater  Circuit,  '52-55. 

The  Presiding  Elders  that  served  this  district  are  as 
follows:  Christian  Glaus,  S.  Dickover,  Philip  Bretsch,  M. 
W.  Steffey,  M.  Hoehn,  G.  G.  Platz. 

White  River  District— ('56-68),  Cicero,  '58-68;  Cincinnati,  '64- 
68;  Cumberland,  Tenn.,  '67-68;  Dayton  Sta.,  '56-68;  E.  Ger- 
mantown,  '63-68;  Greenville  Cir.,  '59-68;  Hamilton,  '56; 
Huntington  Cir.,  '59-63;  Indianapolis,  1st,  '56-68;  Lafay- 
ette, '59;  Louisville.  Zion,  '65-68;  Miami  Circuit,  '56-58; 
Mississinawa,  '63-65;  Montgomery,  '59-68;  Newville,  '56- 
63,  '66-68;  Richmond,  '64-68;  St.  Mary,  '56-63;  Van  Wert, 
'63-68;  Wabash,  '63;  Waupecong,  '61-62,  '64-68;  White- 
water Circuit,  '56-62. 

The  Presidi7ig  Elders  that  have  served  this  district  are : 
A.  B.  Schafer,  G.  G.  Platz,  Joseph  Fisher,  M.  Mayer. 


55 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

The    Ministers  That   Have  Served  in  the   Indiana 

Conference,  and  the  Fields  To  Which  They 

Were  Appointed 

Ahbreviations : — C — Circuits;  M — Missions;  S — Stations;  P. 
E. — Presiding  Elder.  The  numerals  after  the  field — the  years  that 
were  spent  on  that  field,  at  a  given  time.  The  appointments  served 
in  the  South  Indiana  Conferenee  are  not  given,  because  they  be- 
long to  another  Conference  History. 

ACKERMAN,  Wm. — Mishawaka-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Defiance  C-1,  Royal 
Center-1,  Huntington  C-1,  Payne-1,  Van  Wert-2,  Celina  C-2. 

Ade.  Christian — Yellow  River  C-2   (Relinquished  his  license). 

Aegerter,  a.  B. — Noblesville-1,  Nappanee  C-3,  Scott-2. 

Albert,  S.  S. — DeKalb-1,  Fulton-1,  Huntington  C-1,  Defiance  C-1, 
Spring  Grove-Danville-1,  Spring  Grove-1,  Fulton-1,  Twin 
Lakes-1,  Gilead-1,  E.  Germantown-2,  St.  Mary-1,  St.  Mary- 
Van  Wert-1,  Van  Wert-1,  New  Paris-2,  Edgerton-2,  Nobles- 
ville-2.  Van  Wert-2,  Kendallville  C-1,  Mishawaka-3,  Lake 
Bruce-1,  Julietta-1,  Decatur-1. 

Alspauch,  M.— St.  Joseph  C-2,  Elkliart  C-1,  DeKalb-1,  St.  Mary-1, 
Berrien-1,  Fulton-1,  Cicero-1. 

Arlen.  H. — New  Paris-1,  Mishawaka-1,  Rochester  C-2,  Logans- 
port-1,  Celina  C-3,  Van  Wert  (Elected  Presiding  Elder  at  the 
beginning  of  this  year),  P.  E.-5,  Bremen-2. 

Arndt,  J. — Portland  M-1. 

Baker,  E.  R. — Altamont-1. 

Bartholomew,  D. — Mt.  Carmel-Olney-Carmi  C-1,  DeKalb-1,  Mont- 
gomery-1,  Fulton-2,  Waupecong-1,  Montgomery-1,  Medary- 
ville-1. 

Baumgartner,  C.  C— Wabash  M-2,  Elkhart  Div.-l,  P.  E.-8. 

Baumgartner,  E.  H. — Defiance  M-4,  Portland  C-2. 

Baumgartner,  S.  H. — W>st  Point-Wabash-1,  West  Point-1.  Bunker 
Hill-2,  Rochester  S-1,  Kendallville  C-2,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-4, 
P.  E.-8,  Indianapolis  lst-2,  P.  E.-7. 

Beck,  John — Vandalia-1,  Warrenton-1,  Brazil  C-2,  Elkhart  Div.-l, 
Montgomery-2,  Celina  C-3,  Bunker  Hill-1. 

Beyrer,  C.  C— South  Bend  C-1,  Decatur-1,  Wabash-1,  Van  Wert-1, 
Elkhart  Watchtower-1,  Kendallville  C-2,  New  Paris-2,  New- 
ville-3,  Wabash  M-2,  Dayton  lst-3. 

Berger,  John— Defiance-1,  Olney  C-1,  Mt.  Carmel-2,  Shelby-2, 
South  Bend  lst-3.  Missionary  to  Germany,  South  Bend 
Ist-.l,  Wabash  C-1,  P.  E.-4. 

56 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Berstecher,    Geo. — Celina    C-2,    Murphysboro-1,    South    Indiana 

Conf. 
Beverly,  S. — N.  Webster-1. 

Blaser,  Sol. — Greenville  C-1  (License  recalled). 
BOCKMAN,  J.  H. — Defiance  C-1,  Huntington-l,  Van  Wert-1,  Deca- 

tur-1,  New  Paris-1,  Mishawaka-2,  N.  Webster-1,  Waterloo-1, 

Celina  C-1,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-1,  Vera  Cruz-1. 
BocKMAN,  W.  M.— Dubois-2,  Mt.  Carmel  C-1,  Marshall-1,  White- 

water-2.  Clay  Co.-l,  Warrenton-2,  South  Bend  C-1,  DeKalb-1, 

Elkhart  C-1,  Montgomery-1. 
Boehyer,  J. — Tippecanoe-1. 
BOHLANDER,  E.  R. — Carmi-1,  Greenville  C-1,  South  Ind.  Conf.,  Me- 

daryville-2. 
BOYER,  C.  E. — Syracuse-2,  Indianapolis  Grace-2,  Ft.  Wayne  Beth- 
el-1, Ft.  Wayne  Crescent-2. 
Braeckly,  W.  G.— Huntingburg  C-2,  Elkhait  Div.-2,  Olney-1,  South 

Ind.   Conf .-16,   South   Bend   lst-4,   Indianapolis   lst-2,   Bre- 

men-4,  Huntingburg-3,  Louisville  Zion-5,  Huntingburg-2. 
Breish,  J.  H. — Dayton  Wayne-4,  Kendallville-1,  Indianapolis  lst-4, 

Elkhart  lst-4,  Dayton  Wayne-3,  Indianapolis  lst-2. 
Bretsch,  Philip — Whitewater-2,  Dubois-],  P.  E.-2,  Dayton  lst-2, 

White  water-1. 
Brauer,  F. — Montgomery-1,  Cincinnati  M-2. 
Brightmire,  W.  H. — N.  Webster-1,  Kendallville  C-1,  N.  Webster-1, 

Edgerton-1,  Waterloo-1,  Portland-2,  Elkhart  Watchtower-2, 

Dayton  Wayne-2. 
Browns,  P.  L. — Waterloo-1,  Lancaster-2,  Winchester-1,  Ft.  Recov- 

ery-2,    Wabash    C-1,   West   Point-1,    Culver-3,    E.    German- 

town-2,     Markle-1,     Kendallville-2,     Waterloo-2,     Waterloo- 

Hicksville-1,  Wabash  S-3. 
Bruckert,   J.— Defiance  C-1,   Julietta-2,   Fulton-1,   N.   Webster-3, 

Bunker  Hill-1,  St.  Mary-2,  Edgerton-1,  Mishawaka-2,  New- 

ville-2,  Tabor-1,  West  Salem-2,  Bunker  Hill-2. 
Buehler,   Philip— Akron-1,   Royal   Center-2,   E.    Germantown-2, 

Greenville-2,     Payne-1,     Defiance-2.     N.    Webster-2,    Camp 

Creek-1,     Bremen     C-2,     Rochester     C-3,     Altamont-Camp 

Creek-1. 
Burgener.   C.   H.— Waterloo-2,   Edgerton-3,   Markle-1,   Wabash-1, 

Elkhart  Bethel-2,  Hicksville-3,  Huntington-3,  Syracuse-2. 
Burgener,  Philip— Dubois-1,  Olney  C-2,  Marshall  C-1,  St.  Mary-2, 

Fulton-1,  St.  Joseph-1,  Yellow  River  C-2. 
Buyer,  J.  L.,  Jr.— Noblesville-1,  Cicero-1,  Chattanooga-2. 

57 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Buyer,  J.  L.,  Sr. — Enterprise-1,  Rockport-2,  Mt.  Carmel-3,  Bunker 
Hill-2,  Celina  C-4,  Linn  Grove-2,  San  Pierre-2,  Elkhart  S. 
Side-5. 

Carrol,  T. — Defiance  C-1,  Ft.  Recovery-2,  Berne-2,  Wolcottville-2, 
New  Paris-1. 

Carter,  J.  W. — Logansport-1,  Indianapolis  Grace-1,  Portland  M-1, 
Ridgeville-2,  Logansport-1. 

Claypool,  D.  p. — Philipsburg-1. 

CONDO,  E.  E. — Elkhart  C-1,  Fulton-1,  Spring  Grove-1,  Twin 
Lakes-1. 

CONDO,  J.  M.— Fulton-1. 

CONDO,  S.  S.— Elkhart  C-1,  St.  Mary-2,  Danville-1,  Spring  Grove-2. 

Cramer,  S.  C. — Defiance  C-1,  N,  Webster-1,  Logansport-3,  Em- 
mettsville-1, 

Crawford,  L.  W. — Spring  Grove-1,  Danville-1  (Withdrew). 

Dassel.  a. — Carmi-1. 

DiCKOVER,  S. — p.  E.-5. 

Dawes,  Ira — Spikerville-3,  Wabash  C-1. 

Dill,  B.  F. — Waterloo-1,  Huntington  C-1,  Edgerton-Defiance  C-3, 
Van  Wert-3,  Ft.  Recovery-1,  Twin  Lakes-1. 

Dustman,  J.  M. — Defiance  C-1,  Warsaw-2,  Fulton-2,  Decatur-3, 
Kendallville  C-1,  New  Paris-3,  Twin  Lakes-2,  Defiance-2, 
Urbana-1,  Edgerton-1,  Twin  Lakes-1,  Greenville  M-1,  Com- 
mon Center-1. 

Eastes,  G.  D. — Logansport-2,  Greenville  M-2. 

EcKHART,  Geo. — South  Bend  C-1. 

Ehrhardt,  L.  J. — Montgomery-1,  Winchester-2,  Philipsburg-1,  Ev- 
ansville  lst-1,  Mt.  Carmel-3,  Elkhart  Div.-2,  Bunker  Hill-2, 
Celina  C-2,  Vera  Cruz-1,  Greenville  M-2,  Bremen  C-2,  Texas, 
Terre  Haute-2,  Marshall-Brazil-4. 

EiNSEL,  E.  D. — DeKalb-1,  Waterloo-1,  Defiance  C-1,  Edgerton-1, 
Spring  Grove-1,  Spring  Grove-Danville-1,  Spring  Grove-1. 

Elzy,  a.  S.— West  Point-1,  Markle-2. 

Erne,  F.  S.— Rockport-1,  Louisville  Trinity-4,  Portland  M-2,  Wa- 
bash S-4,  Avilla-3. 

Evans,  Ed.— St.  Mary-1,  Greenville  C-2,  Whitewater-1,  E.  Ger- 
mantown-1,  Cincinnati-1,  South  Bend  lst-1,  E.  German- 
town-2.  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2. 

Evans,  J.  H.— Van  Wert-1,  Newville-1,  Vera  Cruz-2,  P.  E.-4,  Ft. 
Wayne  Bethel-4,  Bremen-2,  Dayton  lst-5,  South  Bend  lst-5, 
Kendallville-1. 

EWALD,  E.  C. — San  Pierre-3,  Terre  Haute-Brazil-1,  Terre  Haute-4, 
Perurl. 

58 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Feller,  A.  W. — E.  Germantown-1,  Camp  Creek-3,  Carmi-3. 

Feller,  J.  W. — Altamont-3,  Rockport-1,  Rochester  C-1,  Medary- 
ville-1,  San  Pierre-1,  Yellow  River  M-1,  Bremen  C-3,  Camp 
Creek-Altamont-2,  West  Salem-3,  Grayville-New  Harmony- 
4,  Elberfeld-1. 

FiNKBElNER.  M.  F. — Brazil-2,  Cumberland,  Tenn.-l. 

FiNKBElNER,  Tho. — Indianapolis  2nd-3,  Elkhart  Div.-3,  South  Bend 
Mizpah-2,  Prof.  N.  W.  C. 

Fisher.  A.  S.— West  Point-1,  Wanatah-2,  Celina  C-3,  Rochester  S-3, 
Elkhart  Watchtower-4,  Wabash-3,  Kokomo-4,  Nappanee  C-3, 
Mishawaka-3. 

Fisher,  H.  L. — Waupecong-1,  Mt.  Carmel-Olney  C-1,  Evansville 
lst-2,  Huntingburg  C-2,  Warrenton-2,  P.  E.-l,  Evansville 
lst-2,  Indianapolis  lst-1,  P.  E.-l,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

Fisher,  H.  W. — Cleveland,  Tenn.-l,  Huntington  C-1. 

Fisher,  Jos.— Elkhart  C-1,  Mt.  Carmel  C-2,  Evansville  lst-1,  Mt. 
Carmel  C-1,  South  Bend  C-2,  P.  E.-8,  Elkhart  Div.-2,  New 
Paris-2,  Elkhart  Watchtower-2,  Decatur-2,  Ft.  Wayne  Beth- 
el-2,  Indianapolis  lst-3.  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-3,  Huntington  M-2, 
Kendallville-2,  Logansport-3. 

Fisher,  I.  B. — Huntington-3,  St.  Mary-3,  Huntington-3,  Waterloo-1, 
Portland  M-1,  Oregon,  Louisville  Zion-3  (Withdrew), 

Fisher,  L.  S. — Rochester  M-2,  Portland  C-2,  Oregon,  South  Bend- 
Mizpah-3,  Elkhart  lst-3,  P.  E.-4,  Elkhart  lst-3. 

Flurkey,  W.  H. — E.  Germantown-2,  Defiance-Hicksville-1. 

Franzen,  Ger. — Dubois-1. 

Freehafer,  G.  W.— St.  Mary-2,  Noblesville-1,  Kendallville  C-2,  Wa- 
terloo-2. 

Freshley,  W.  H. — Paulding-1,  Hicksville-3,  Waterloo-2,  Edon-1, 
Edgerton-2,  Kendallville-5,  South  Bend  lst-1. 

FUCHS,  J.  (Fox)— St.  Mary-1,  Newville-1,  South  Bend  C-1,  South 
Bend-Berrien  C-1,  Mt.  Carmel-Carmi-Olney  C-1,  Olney  C-1, 
Dubois-1,  Huntingburg  C-1,  Evansville  lst-2,  Dayton  lst-2, 
Indianapolis  lst-2,  Newville-2,  Elkhart  Div.-2,  P.  E.-5,  South 
Ind.  Conf. 

Fox,  D.  F.— Mishawaka  M-1. 

Garl,  David — Elkhart  C-1,  Berrien-1. 

Geisel.  F.— DeKalb-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Yellow  River  C-1,  Waupecong-2, 
DeKalb-1,  St.  Mary-1  (Withdrew). 

Geist,  August — Benton-1,  Bremen-1,  Fulton-1,  Waterloo-2,  Elk- 
hart Watchtower-2,  Noblesville-1,  Huntington  C-2,  N.  Web- 
ster-1,  Edgerton-2,  P.  E.-4,  New  Paris-Nappanee-1,  New 
Paris-2,  Urbana-2,  Van  Wert-1,  Huntington-1,  Mishawaka-2, 

59 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Urbana-4,    Rochester-1,    Logansport-2,    Akron-1,    Philips- 
burg-2,  Waterloo-Hicksville-2,  Waterloo-1. 

Geist,  C.  E.— Markle-2,  Mt.  Carmel-5,  Terre  Haiite-2. 

Glaus,  Christian— P.  E.-3,  Elkhart  C-1,  Whitewater-1,  Miami  C-2, 
Newville-2,  Huntingburg  C-2,  Warrenton-2,  Mt,  Carmel  C-1, 
Olney  C-2,  South  Bend  lst-2.  Yellow  River  C-2,  Bremen-1, 
Newville-2. 

GOCKER,  H. — Phillipsbiirg-3,  West  Salem-Lancaster-1,  West  Sa- 
lem-1,  Grayville-4,  Elberfeld-2,  West  Salem-2,  Washington. 

GOETZ,  Peter— Whitewater-2,  Elkhart  C-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Miami  C-1. 

GOMER,  J.  M. — Fulton-1,  Berrien-1,  Calhoun-2,  South  Bend  C-1,  In- 
dianapolis lst-1,  Dayton  lst-2,  Collector-1,  Mt.  Carmel-1, 
Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2,  Indianapolis  W.  End  M-2,  South  Bend 
lst-3,  Laporte-2,  Dayton  lst-2.  Missionary  to  Texas-8. 

Greiner,  E.  E. — Hicksville-2,  Markle-2,  Linn  Grove-3,  Wolcott- 
ville-2,  Nappanee  C-2. 

Griesemer,  I.  H. — Mt.  Carmel-1,  Louisville  Trinity-2,  Carmi-3,  In- 
dianapolis 2nd-3,  West  Salem-4,  Grayville-5,  Marshall-Bra- 
zil-2,  Bremen-4. 

Grimm,  L. — Shelby-1. 

Haist,  a.  B.— Elkhart  S.  Side-3,  Hicksville-1,  Kendallville-2,  Day- 
ton Wayne-2,  Decatur-4,  Olney-5,  Huntingburg-3. 

Hallwachs,  G.  M. — Huntingburg-1,  Illinois. 

Haley,  E.  D. — Bippus-3,  Defiance  M-1,  Celina  C-1. 

Haney,  L. — Culver  C-1,  Altamont-1,  Camp  Creek-1. 

-Haney,  Philip — Culver  C-1,  Rochester  C-1. 

Hansing,  C.  F.— Louisville  W.  Side  M-2,  Indianapolis  W.  End  M-3, 
Indianapolis  lst-2,  Dayton  lst-2,  Elkhart  Div.-3,  South  Bend 
lst-3,  Indianapolis  lst-3,  Dayton  lst-1,  P.  E.-14,  Indianapo- 
lis 2nd-l. 

Hansing,  C.  F.  W. — Greenville  C-1,  Medaryville-3,  Bremen-3,  Ft. 
Wayne  Bethel-1,  Bunker  Hill-1. 

Handschu,  R.  W. — Lake  Bruce-1. 

Harms,  C. — Marshall-4,  Carmi-2,  Evansville  lst-3,  Terre  Hautc- 
Brazil-1,  Indianapolis  2nd-l,  Peru-1,  Rockport-5. 

Hartman,  C.  H.— Portland  M-1,  Hicksville-1,  E.  Germantown-1, 
Elkhart  Bethek3. 

Hartman,  Frank — Noblesville-2,  Lancaster-1,  Berne-3,  South 
Bend  Mizpah-2,  Indianapolis  Grace-3,  Celina  M-1. 

Harper,  J.  R. — Noblesville-1. 

Hart,  F.  W.— Decatur-1  (Withdrew). 

Hartzler,  a.— St.  Mary-Huntington-1,  Defiance-2,  St.  Mary-2,  Ben- 
ton-2.  Defiance- 3,  Twin  Lakes-2,  Noblesville-2. 

60 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Haug,  J.  M.— Indianapolis  lst-2,  P.  E.-4,  Dayton  lst-4,  Conf.  Col- 
lector-1,  P.  E.-3. 

Hauser,  E.  E. — Defiance  M-I/2,  Logansport-1. 

Haustedt,  W.— Elkhart  C-1. 

Heiden.  Carl — Fulton-1  (Withdrew). 

Heil,  D.  R. — Royal  Center-2,  N.  Webster-5,  Linn  Grove-5. 

Heim,  Christian — Clay  Co-2,  Yellow  River  C-2,  Medaryville-2, 
Greenville  C-1,  West  Salem-2. 

Helut,  J.  H.— Altamont-2,  Bunker  Hill-4. 

Hertel,  G.  a.— Defiance  C-2,  DeKalb-2,  Van  Wert-2,  South  Bend 
C-2,  Cincinnati-2,  Newville-2,  Elkhart  Div.-2. 

Herman,  M.  O.— Cicero-li/2,  Greenville  M-II/2. 

Hirschman,  C.  a. — Ft.  Wayne  Cres.-4,  Dayton  Wayne-2. 

Heininger,  S. — Elkhart  Div.-l   (Withdrew). 

Hochstettler,  E.  T.— Elkhart  C-1,  DeKalb-1,  Vandalia-2,  Ful- 
ton-2,  Greenville  C-3,  Mishawaka-1. 

Hoehn,  M. — Evansville  lst-1,  Dubois-Warrenton  C-1,  Indianapo- 
lis lst-2.  South  Bend  lst-1,  Newville-2,  P.  E.-4,  Dayton  lst-2, 
Louisville  Zion-2,  Indianapolis  lst-3,  Evansville  lst-2.  South 
Bend  lst-3,  Logansport  M-1,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-3,  Indian- 
apolis lst-1,  Indianapolis  Ist-Julietta  M-1,  Dayton  lst-3, 
South  Bend  lst-2. 

Hoffman,  Bel. — Montgomery-l,  Richmond-1,  Fulton-2,  South  Bend 
C-2. 

Hoffman,  John — Elkhart  C-1,  Cicero-1,  Mt.  Carmel  C-2,  Warren- 
ton-1,  Mississinawa-1,  Greenville-Mississinawa-1,  Green- 
ville C-1,  Richmond-2,  West  Salem-1,  Mt.  Carmel-1,  Shel- 
by-1,  Olney  C-1,  Shelby-1,  Montgomery-3,  Elkhart  Div.-2, 
Laporte-3,  Bremen-2,  Bunker  Hill-3,  Newville-2,  Wabash-1, 
Rochester  C-2,  Elkhart  Div.-2,  Dayton  lst-1. 

Hofferbert,  S. — New  Paris-1,  St.  Mary-3,  Ft.  Recovery-2,  Wol- 
cottville-3,  Nappanee  C-2. 

Holdeman,  G.  B. — E.  Germantown-1,  N.  Webster-2,  Logansport-2. 

Hoover,  D.  E.— Kendallville  C-1,  Defiance  C-1. 

Howell,  F.  F.— N.  Webster-1. 

Iwan,  Aug. — Logansport-2,  Bunker  Hill-2,  Wanatah-2,  Medary- 
ville-1,  Laporte-1,  Wanatah-1,  Elkhart  Div.-2. 

JAMIESON,  R.  F. — Greenville  M-1,  Elkhart  S.  Side-1,  E.  German- 
town-4,  Louisville  Trinity-4. 

Jones,  E.  B. — Wolcottville-1,  E.  Germantown-1,  Chattanooga-2. 

JUDIN,  C.  S. — Owensboro-1. 

Kaley,  D.  a. — Tippecanoe-1,  Defiance  C-2,  Royal  Center-2,  E.  Ger- 
man town-2,  Wolcottville-1,  Berne-5. 

61 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Kalwitz,  C. — Medaryville-1. 

Kaufman,  John — Clay  Co.-l,  Waiipecong-2,  South  Bend  lst-2,  In- 
dianapolis lst-2,  Olney  C-3,  Dayton  lst-3,  South  Ind.  Con- 
ference-16,  Dayton  lst-4,  Brazil-3,  Indianapolis  2nd-3. 

Keiper,  J.— Miami  M-1,  Elkhart  C-1,  Dubois-1,  Hamilton  M-1,  Mi- 
ami C-1,  Pulaski-1,  Fulton-1,  Elkhart  C-2,  Van  Wert  C-2, 
Ag-ent  for  N.  W.  C.  (Withdrew). 

Kerlin — West  Salem-1. 

Kern,  E.  B, — Payne-1. 

Kerstettler,  T. — Elkhart  C-1. 

Kim  MEL,  G.  B. — Indianapolis  Grace-4,  Dayton  Wayne-5,  Indianapo- 
lis lst-5,  E.  T.  Seminary. 

Kiplinger,  E.  L.— Whitewater-1,  St.  Mary-1,  South  Bend  C-1, 
Rockport-1,  Cicero-2,  Greenville  C-1,  Agent  for  Plainfield 
College-2,  Wabash  (Laf.)  M-2,  Cicero-2,  Huntington  C-1, 
DeKalb-1,  P.  E.-12. 

Kiplinger,  S. — Mississinawa-1,  Cicero-2,  DeKalb-1,  South  Bend 
C-2. 

KiSTLER,  J.  M. — Altamont-1,  N.  Webster-2. 

Klaiber,  M.— Marshall-1,  Warrenton-1,  Clay  Co.-2,  Mt.  Carmel 
C-1,  Carmi-2,  Vandalia-2,  Louisville  Zion-2,  Cincinnati-2, 
Dayton  lst-2,  Indianapolis  W.  Side  M-2,  Louisville  W.  End 
M-1,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

Klopfer,  G. — Elkhart  C-1,  St.  Joseph-1,  Lafayette-1,  Cicero-1,  Ful- 
ton-1, Greenville  C-1,  Fulton-1,  Huntington  C-1,  Mississina- 
wa-1, E.  Germantown-1,  Vandalia-1,  Mt.  Carmel  C-1. 

Knepper,  a.  a. — Akron-2,  New  Paris-4,  Urbana-4. 

Koch,  G.— Grayville-1.  Carmi-2,  Tabor-3,  Marshall-1,  Carmi-2. 

Koehl,  M. — Rockport-1,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

Koenig,  B.  E. — West  Salem-Lancaster-1,  Rockport-2,  Brazil-2, 
Grayville-2,  Carmi-5,  Celina  M-4,  Louisville  Zion-1. 

Koenig,  D.  B. — Winchester-1,  Louisville  Trinity-2,  Olney-2,  Van 
Wert-3,  Berne-3,  Wabash-3,  California  Conf. 

Koenig,  Wm. — Richmond-1,  Fulton-1,  Waupecong-2,  Logansport-2, 
Bremen-2,  Wanatah-3,  Celina  C-3,  Terre  Haute-1,  Bremen-3, 
Brazil-1. 

KOHLMEIER,  C. — Mt.  Carmel-Carmi-Olney  C-1,  Mt.  Carmel  C-1, 
South  Bend  C-1.  Olney  C-1,  Mt.  Carmel  C-1,  Warrenton-1. 

Kramer,  H. — Indianapolis   lst-1,   Evansville   lst-1    (Deposed  and 

expelled). 
Kring,    S.    B. — Hicksville-2,    Elkhart    Watchtower-2,    Kendallville 

C-2,  Decatur-2. 
Kroft,  a.  D.— Scott-1,  Celina  C-2,  N.  Webster-2. 

62 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Kroft,    S.   J. — Defiance-2,   Royal   Center-4,    Logansport-1,    Edger- 

ton-1,  Wabash  C-1. 
Kronmiller.  J.  M.— DeKalb-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Fulton-2,  Marshall-1, 

Warrenton-1,   Mt.   Carmel  C-1,   Marshall-1,   Montgomery-2, 

Defiance  C-1,  DeKalb-2,  Clay  Co.-2,  Olney  C-2,  Carmi-1,  Mt. 

Carmel  C-1,  Huntingburg  C-2,  Carmi-2,  South  Ind.  Conf. 
Krueger,  M.— Elkhart  C-1,  Berrien-1,  Calhoun-2,  Indianapolis  1st- 

2,  St.  Mary-2,  Elkhart  C-2,  DeKalb-1,  P.  E.-4,  Ft.  Wayne 

Bethel-1,  Mishawaka-2,  Kendallville  C-1,  P.  E.-8,  Bremen-2, 

Vera    Cruz-1,    Mishawaka-1,    Medaryville-2,    Winchester-1, 

Bunker  Hill-1. 
Lantz,  J.  M.— Greenville  M-1,  Akron-1,  Bunker  Hill-2,  Celina  C-3, 

Edgerton-3,  Wabash  C-1, 
Laudeman,  E.  Q. — Rochester  C-1,  Akron-2,  Rochester-2,  Ft.  Wayne 

Bethel-2,  Dayton  Wayne-2,  Akron-2,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-3. 
Launer,  F. — Vandalia-1,  Shelby-1,  Carmi-2,  Vandalia-2,  Fulton-2, 

St.  Mary-1,  Wabash-1,  Benton-2,  St.  Mary-1,  Greenville  C-2, 

Winchester-2,  Montgomery-1,  Benton-1. 
Launer,  F.  W.— West  Salem  C-2. 
Loose,  R.  W. — Markle-1,  Huntington-1. 
Lueder.  Wm. — Fulton-1,  Medaryville-3. 
LUEHRING,  S.  J. — Grayville-1,  Huntingburg-3,  Texas. 
Luehring,  Wm. — Louisville  Zion-2,  Elkhart  Div.-2,  Evansville  1st- 

4,  Terre  Haute-2,  Terre  Haute-Brazil-1,  Evansville  lst-4. 
LUTMAN,  Geo. — Paulding-1,  Elkhart  S.  Side-2,  Noblesville-1  (With- 
drew irregularly). 

LoziER,  Geo. — Portland  M-1,  Grayville-1. 

Maas,  C.  P. — Lancaster-1,  Altamont-1,  Mt.  Carmel-3,  Berne-2, 
Peru-4,  Olney-1. 

Markman,  O.  L. — Grayville-2,  New  Harmony-3,  Mt.  Carmel-3. 

Maier,  J.  A. — Huntington  C-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Richmond-2,  Evans- 
ville lst-2,  Mt.  Carmel-2,  Mound  City-Cairo-1,  Jonesboro-1, 
South  Ind.  Conf. 

Martz,  D. — Noblesville-3,  New  Paris-2,  Elkhart  Watchtower-3, 
Huntington-2,  Rockport-1,  P.  E.-8,  Decatur-1,  Huntington-1, 
South  Bend  Mizpah-1,  P.  E.-3  (Withdrew). 

Mathias.  Chr.  F. — Carmi-2,  Evansville  lst-1,  Rockport-2,  Mar- 
shall-3,  Warren ton-2,  West  Salem  C-1,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

Maurer.  J. — Shelby-1,  Marshall-1,  Montgomery-1,  Louisville  West 

5.  M-1,  Celina  C-1,  Julietta-L 

Mayer,  Melchior — Dubois-1,  Clay  Co.-l,  DeKalb-2,  Whitewater-1, 
Montgomery-1,  Marshall-2,  Evansville  lst-2,  Louisville  Zion- 
2,  P.  E.-8,  Cincinnati-1,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

63 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Maier,  J.  J. — Altamont-1. 

McClure,  F.  F. — Peru-3,  Logansport-1,  Peru-1,  Bippus-1,  South 
Bend  Grace-1,  Bippus-2,  Avilla-2,  Portland-1,  New  Paris-1, 
Markle  C-1. 

McCONNEHEY,  Chas. — Noblesville-1,  Camp  Creek-1,  Edgerton-1, 
Lancaster-3,  Culver-2,  E.  Germantown-l, 

Meyers,  E.  E. — Winchester-1,  Twin  Lakes-2,  Noblesville-3,  Edger- 
ton-2,  N.  Webster-2,  Phillipsburg-1,  Greenville-Phillipsburg- 
1,  Lake  Bruce-2. 

Meyers,  F.  F.— South  Bend  lst-3. 

Meyers,  H.  E. — Ft.  Recovery-1,  Defiance-1. 

Metzler,  M.  S. — Bremen-1  (License  revoked). 

Metzner,  J.  W. — New  Paris-Nappanee  C-1,  Nappanee  C-1,  Hunt- 
ington-2,  Berne-2,  Rochester  S-2  Defiance  C-3,  Wolcott- 
ville-3,  Kendallville-3,  Huntington-rj,  P.  E.-5. 

Miller,  E.  E. — Phillipsburg-4,  Markle-5,  Nappanee  M-2. 

Miller,  J. — Mt.  Carmel-1,  Carmi-1,  Clay  Co.-l,  Marshall-1,  Waupe- 
cong-2,  Wabash  M-2,  Shelby-1,  Wanatah-3,  Newville-2,  Mont- 
gomery-3,  Winchester-2,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2,  Winchester-1, 
St.  Mary-1. 

Miller,  Philemon — Marshall-1,  Mt.  Carmel-1. 

Mills,  W.  S. — Mishawaka-South  Bend  Mizpah-1,  Ohio  Conf. 

Mode,  J. — Carmi-1,  Lake  Creek-1,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

MosiER,  J.  0. — Kendallville-3,  Elkhart  Watchtower-4,  Indianapolis 
Grace-3,  P.  E.-4,  South  Bend  Mizpah-5. 

MUNDORF,  J. — Lancaster-1,  Tabor-3,  Medaryville-3,  West  Salem-2, 
Grayville-1,  Marshall-3,  Rockport-2,  Altamont-1,  San  Pierre- 
3,  Phillipsburg-2. 

Mygrant,  W.  H. — Defiance  C-1,  E.  Germantown-2,  Waterloo-3, 
Hicksville-3,  Kendallville  C-3,  New  Paris-1,  Decatur-2,  Wol- 
cottville-2,  Rochester-2,  Waterloo-1,  Portland-2,  Van  Wert-3, 
Defiance  C-1,  South  Bend  Grace-1,  Syracuse-2,  St.  Peter-2. 

Neff,  H.  E. — Greenville  M-1,  Winchester-Greenville-1,  Rochester 
C-2,  Wolcottville-2. 

Newman,  Levi — Rochester  C-2,  Twin  Lakes-8,  Culver-1,  N.  Web- 
ster-2. Mishawaka-4,  Rochester-2,  South  Bend  Grace-2,  Con- 
ference Evangelist-5. 

Nicolai,  a.— St.  Mary-2,  DeKalb-2,  Elkhart  C-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Ful- 
ton-2,  Bainbridge-1,  Yellow  River  C-2. 

Nitsche,  E.  J. — Carmi-1,  Terre  Haute-4,  West  Salem-2,  South 
Bend  lst-4,  Carmi-2,  Marshall-Brazil-5,  Indianapolis  2nd-5. 

64 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Oakes,  D.  S.— Fulton-1,  Huntington  C-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Lafayette-1, 
St.  Mary-l,  Elkhart  C-2,  DeKalb-2,  Elkhart  C-1,  Missionary 
to  Oregon-2,  Mishawaka-3,  Twin  Lakes-1,  Benton-1,  Ken- 
dallville  C-3,  E.  Germantown-1,  P.  E.-22. 

Oliver,  E.  J. — Peru-2,  E.  Germantown. 

OVERMEYER,  C.  D. — Ft.  Recovery-1. 

OVERMEYER,  H.  E. — Spring  Grove-2,  Elkhart  C-1,  New  Paris-1, 
Twin  Lakes-1,  Mishawaka-1,  Tippecanoe-Logansport-1,  Lo- 
gansport-2,  Wolcottville-2,  Berne-1,  E.  Germantown-1,  Twin 
Lakes-1,  Noblesville-3. 

Orth,  Philip — E,  Germantown-2,  Defiance  C-2,  Richmond-3,  Port- 
land-1   (Withdrew). 

Parker,  A.— Mt.  Caimel-Olney  C-1,  Fulton-1,  Pulaski-1,  E.  Ger- 
mantown-1, DeKalb-1   (Withdrew). 

Paulin,  J. — St.  Mary-1,  Cicero-1,  Marshall-1,  Huntington  C-2,  Elk- 
hart C-2. 

Pierce,  C.  M. — Edgerton-1,  Waterloo-2,  Ft.  Recovery-1,  Berne-2, 
Huntington-2. 

Platz,  G.  G. — Hamilton-1,  P.  E.-8,  Indianapolis  lst-1,  Marshall-2, 
P.  E.-4. 

Platz,  N.  F.— South  Bend  Grace-Elkhart  S.  Side-1,  South  Bend 
Grace-2,  Lakeville-4. 

Platz,  N.  J. — Rockport-1,  Shelby-1,  South  Ind.  Conf.-16,  Camp 
Creek-1,  Vera  Cruz-3,  Bremen-2. 

Pontius,  D.  J. — Marshall-1,  Cicero-1,  Twin  Lakes-1,  Defiance  C-1, 
New  Paris-1,  Warsaw-1,  Fulton-2,  N.  Liberty  M-1,  Ft.  Re- 
covery-1, Huntington  C-1,  Cleveland,  Tenn.-l,  Chattanooga, 
Tenn.-l,  Rochester  C-1. 

Pontius,  S.  H. — Defiance  C-1,  N.  Webster-2. 

Porr,  Philip — Newville-2,  Van  Wert-2. 

Praetorius,  E.  W. — Louisville  Trinity-5,  Terre  Haute-2,  Elkhait 
lst-2. 

Prechtel,  H.  p. — Greenville  C-1,  Richmond-1,  Twin  Lakes-^,  Misli- 
awaka-2. 

Price,  H.  R. — Huntington  C-1,  Decatur-1. 

Pullman,  Geo.  C. — Rochester  S-2. 

Raeber,  a.  O.— Defiance  C-2,  E.  Germantown-2,  Elkhart  Watch- 
tower-8,  Rochester  M-3,  Dayton  Wayne-3. 

Rainey,  R. — Twin  Lakes-3,  Edgerton-2,  Payne-1,  Ft.  Recovery-2, 
N.  W^ebster-1,  Bruce  Lake-1. 

Rainey,  S.  D.— Scott-3. 

Rarey,  C.  D. — Noblesville-3,  Nappanee-3,  Huntington-2,  Ft.  Wayne 
Bethel-3. 

65 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Rausch,  F.— Montgoineiy-2,  St.  Mary-2,  Van  Wert-3,  Mishawaka- 

2,  Olney-2,  Louisville  Zion-4,  Indianapolis  lst-4,  Urbana-1, 

South  Bend  lst-3,  Mishawaka-2,  Elkhart  S.  Side-2,  South 

Bend  C-1. 
Rees,  John — Julietta-2,  Edgerton-2,  Twin  Lakes-3,  New  Paris-2, 

Edgerton-3,    Noblesville-3,    Bunker   Hill-2,    Ft.    Recovery-4, 

Linn  Grove-2,  Wolcottville-5. 
Reinoehl,  H.  H. — Ft.  Recovery-2,  St.  Mary-1,  Nappanee  C-4,  Wol- 

cottville-1,   Greenville-1,   Nappanee   C-4,   Syracuse-2,   Lake- 

ville-2,  South  Bend  C-1. 
Ressler,  J. — Twin  Lakes-1,  Silver  Lake-1,  Danville-l  (Withdrew). 
Reutepoehler,  F. — Cumberland,  Tenn.-l,  Camp  Creek-1,  Enter- 

prise-4,  Lancaster-4,  Elberfeld-3,  San  Pierre-2. 
Riegel,  R.— Elkhart  C-1,  South  Bend  C-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Berrien-2, 

Mich.  Conf.-4,  Huntington  C-2,  Cicero-2,  DeKalb-1,  Kendall- 

ville- Waterloo  C-1. 
Riley,  Wm. — Payne-2  (Withdrew). 
Rilling,  J.  H. — Lancaster-2,  Marshall-1,  Vera  Cruz-2,  Wabash-3, 

South  Bend  Mizpah-4,  Rochester  S-3,  Decatur-4. 
Rtnggenberg,   C.  D. — Tippecanoe-1,  St.   Mary-1,  Paulding-1,  Ca- 

vett-1,  Hicksville-2,  Bunker  Hill-3,  Phillipshurg-1,  Defiance 

C-2  (Withdrew  irregularly). 
Roberts,  E.  E. — Berne  C-1. 
ROEDERER,  Geo. — Fulton-1,  Huntington-1,  Richmond-3,  Newville-3, 

South  Bend  lst-2,  Elkhart  Div.-l,  Bunker  Hill-2,  Wabash 

M-3,  Celina  C-3,  Olney-2,  P.  E.-4,  Louisville  Zion-4. 
Roederer,  Irvin — Logansport-1,  Evansville  M-1. 
Rogers,  J.  M. — E.  Germantown-1,  Rochester  C-2,  Markle-1. 
ROOP,  E.  R. — Ohio  City  C-1,  Chattanooga-1,  Portland  C7I,  Green- 
ville M-3  (Deposed  and  expelled). 
Rosenberger,  J. — E.  Germantown-1. 
Roth,  Peter— Elkhart  C-2,  Fulton-1,  St.  Joseph-2,  South  Bend  C-1, 

Defiance  C-1,  Greenville  C-2,  Waupecong-2,  St.  Mary-2,  Ben- 

ton-1,  Wanatah-2,  Marshall-1,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2. 
Rowe,  C.  D. — Defiance-2  (Withdrew). 

RliCHSTUHL,  J. — Fulton-Huntington  C-1   (License  revoked). 
RUH,   B.— Elkhart  C-1,   Marshall-2,   Olney  C-1,   South   Bend  and 

Berrien-1,  Miami  C-1,  Fulton-1,  Huntington  C-1,  Berrien-1, 

Elkhart  C-1. 
RUSSEL,  T.  J.— Culver-3. 
Schafer,  a.  B.— p.  E.-3,  Evansville  lst-2,  South  Bend  C-1,  In- 

dianapalis  lst-1.  South  Bend  lst-2,  Cincinnati-1. 

66 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

ScHAFER,  A.  R. — DefiancG-1,  Twin  Lakes-2,  Noblesville-2,  New 
Paris-2,  Edgerton-2,  Waterloo-3,  Decatur-2,  Mish — Died  be- 
fore reaching  appointment. 

SCHAMBERS.  J. — Greenville  C-1  (Withdrew). 

SCHAMO,  C. — DeKalb-1,  Cicero-1,  E.  Germantown-2,  Vandalia-2, 
Fulton-2,  Greenville  C-1,  Defiance-1  (Voluntarily  surren- 
dered license). 

SCHEIDLER,  M.  L. — Noblesville-1,  Hicksville-2,  Dayton  Wayne-1, 
Elkhart  Watchtower-3,  South  Bend  Mizpah-4,  Rochester  S-3, 
E.  Germantown-1,  Urbana-4,  Kokomo-5,  Evansville  lst-3. 

SCHLEUCHER,  H. — Carmi-2,  Rockport-1,  Mt.  Carmel-2,  South  Ind. 
Conf.-16,  Indianapolis  lst-1,  Huntingburg-3,  Celina  C-2, 
West  Point-2,  Bippus-1,  Mt.  Carmel-2,  South  Bend  lst-3, 
Bremen-2,  Mishawaka-1. 

SCHLEMMER,  C.  W. — Logansport-1,  St.  Peter's-2,  Lake  Bruce-3, 
Markle-1. 

SCHMIDLI,  J. — Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2,  Richmond-2. 

SCHMOLL,  George — Mt.  Carmel-Carmi  C-1,  Vandalia-1,  Olney  C-1, 
Richmond-1,  Montgomery-1,  Cincinnati-1,  Marshall-2,  Hunt- 
ingburg  C-1,  Rockport-1,  Brazil-1,  Bunker  Hill-3,  Julietta-1, 
Wabash  M-1,  Laporte-3,  Wabash  C-2,  Winchester-Green- 
ville-3,  Montgomery-2,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-3,  Huntingburg-1. 

SCHNITZ,  J.  H. — Tippecanoe-Logansport-1,  Altamont-2,  Camp 
Creek-3,  Celina  C-1,  Lancaster-2. 

SCHOLZ,  August — Vandalia-1,  Greenville  C-1  (Deposed  and  ex- 
pelled). 

SCHWILLI.  P. — St.  Joseph-2. 

Schuerman.  F. — St.  Maiy-1,  Fulton-1,  Dayton  lst-1. 

SCHUERMEIER,  B. — Louisville  Trinity-1,  Evansville  lst-3,  Mt.  Car- 
mel-1,  Terre  Haute-2,  Olney-3,  Carmi-1,  Peru-1,  Bremen-5, 
Dayton  lst-5.  Van  Wert-1. 

SCHUH.  J.  C. — Montgomery-2,  Greenville  C-1,  Sulphur  Springs-2, 
Cincinnati-2,  Marshall-2,  Celina  C-3,  Montgomery-2,  Juliet- 
ta-1, Logansport-1,  Logansport-Royal  Center-1,  Ft.  Recov- 
ery-2,  St.  Mary-1,  Wanatah-1,  Celina  C-2  (Withdrew). 

Schwartz,  Philip— Miami  C-1,  Greenville  C-1,  Elkhart  C-2,  Hunt- 
ington-1,  Wabash  M-1. 

Schweitzer,  F.  G. — South  Ind.  Conf.,  Bremen-1,  Indianapolis  lst-3. 
South  Bend  lst-3,  Terre  Haute-1,  Dayton  lst-4,  Indianapolis 
2nd-2. 

Shoop.  S.— Defiance  C-1,  St.  Mary-1. 

Smith.  B.  G.— Wabash  C-1,  Kokomo-3. 

67 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Smith,  J.  E. — St.  Mary-1,  Fulton-1,  Defiance  C-1,  Van  Wert-3,  No- 
blesville-2,  Noblesville-Jiilietta-1,  New  Paris-3,  Van  Wert-2, 
Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2,  Wabash-1,  Himtingburg-2. 

Smith,  J.  M. — Lake  Bruce-1,  E.  Germantown-1,  Edgerton-1,  Edg- 
erton-Hicksville-1,  Payne-2,  Ft.  Recovery-2,  Waterloo-1. 

Smith,  L.  E. — Tippecanoe-1,  Leiter's  Ford-1,  Lake  Bruce-1,  Port- 
land M-1,  Nappanee  M-3,  Mt.  Carmel-1,  Louisville  Trinity-1. 

Snyder,  B.  F. — Wanatah-1,  Montgomery-1. 

Snyder,  Earl — Markle  C-1. 

Snyder,  F.  L. — Mishawaka-1,  Defiance-1,  Decatur-2,  Defiance-2, 
Portland-3,  Wolcottville-2,  Ft.  Recovery-3,  Markle-1,  Ur- 
bana-4,  Defiance-2,  Culver-1. 

Snyder,  W.  E. — Logansport-2,  Royal  Center-3,  Altamont-2,  Bip- 
pus-2,  Peru-2,  Ridgeville-5,  Akron-2,  Carmi-1. 

Spangler,  C.  W.  — Bunker  Hill-1,  Winchester-2,  Rochester  S-4,  E. 
Germantown-1,  Greenville  M-1,  Portland-3,  Markle-1,  Syra- 
cuse-2,  Akron-1. 

Spangler,  D.  D. — Green ville-Winchester-1,  Clear  Creek-1,  Julietta- 
2,  Lake  Bruce-1,  Bunker  Hill-2,  Van  Wert-2,  Vera  Cruz-3, 
Tabor-2,  New  Paris-4,  Elkhart  Bethel-5,  Mishawaka-3. 

Speicher,  D.  D. — Richmond-1,  New  Paris-1,  Logansport-1,  Ft. 
Wayne  Bethel-2,  Bremen-2,  Wabash-3,  Mishawaka-2,  Van 
Wert-3,  Huntingburg-3,  Olney-2,  P.  E.-4,  Indianapolis  2nd- 
2,  E.  Germantown-1,  South  Bend  Grace-4. 

Speicher,  J.  L. — Peru-1,  Akron-1. 
•Speicher,  G.  E. — Winchester-2. 

Speicher,  P.  S.— Bunker  Hill-1,  Twin  Lakes-1,  Phillipsburg-4,  Em- 
mettsville-1,  Emmettsville-Greenville-2,  Greenville  M-1. 

Speck,  Martin— Calhoun-1,  South  Bend  C-1,  Elkhart  C-1,  Kala- 
mazoo-1,  Louisville  Zion-3,  South  Ind.  Conf.  (Withdrew). 

Spencer,  I.  G. — N.  Liberty  M-2. 

Stedcke,  F.  J.— Hicksville-1,  Huntington  C-1,  Greenville  M-2, 
Scott-1,  Van  Wert-5,  Peru-1. 

Stedcke,  J.  H. — E.  Germantown-1,  Winchester-1  (Voluntarily  sur- 
rendered his  license) . 

Steele,  Ira — Akron-1,  Lake  Bruce-3,  New  Paris-2,  Edgerton-2. 

Steffey,  M.  W.— Hamilton-1,  Elkhart  C-2,  Indianapolis  lst-1,  Day- 
ton lst-2,  P.  E.-8,  Ft.  Wayne  Bethel-2,  Dayton  lst-2,  P.  E.-8, 
Elkhart  Div.-3,  Dayton  lst-3,  Indianapolis  lst-3,  Elkhart 
Div.-2,  South  Bend  lst-3. 

Steininger,  Geo.  C— E.  Germantown-1. 

Steininger,  H.— Berne-2,  Defiance  C-2,  Huntington-2,  Logans- 
port-2.. 

68 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Stier,  C. — Carmi-1,  South  Indiana  Conf. 

Stierle,  F.  C. — Indianapolis  2nd-l,  Illinois  Conf.    (Withdrew). 

Stierle,  G.  a. — San  Pierre-1,  Enterprise-1,  Elberfeld-3,  West  Sa- 

lem-3,  Carmi-1. 
Stockhovve,  C. — Marshall-2,  Shelby-1,  Van  Wert-2,  South  Indiana 

Conf.  (Withdrew). 
Stoops,  J.  E. — Defiance  C-1,  Waterloo-2,  Decatur-3,  Wolcottville-1, 

Urbana-2,  Portland-2,  Markle-1,  New  Paris-2,  Van  Wert-3. 
Stowell,  W.  a. — Phillipsburg-1,  Star  City-2,  Common  Center-1. 
Stretcher,  G. — Julietta-1. 

Strickler,  H. — Hamilton-1,  St.  Mary-1,  Elkhart  C-1,  Hamilton-1. 
Sunderman,    M.    W.— Portland-2,    Elkhart    Div.-2,    South    Bend 

Grace-1,    Olney-3,    Evansville    lst-5,    Olney-2,    Indianapolis 

Grace-1. 
Thomas,  J.  W.— Wabash  C-1. 
Thompson,  H.  E. — Portland-1,  Hicksville-1. 
Thornton,  P. — St.  Mary-1. 
Tiedt,  J.  A.— Medaryville-3,  Marshall-2,  Brazil-3,  Phillipsburg-3, 

Enterprise-2,  Camp  Creek-3,  Elberfeld  2,  Rockport-3,  Wana- 

tah-3,  Culver  C-3. 
Thiersch,  Robert — Owensboro-1,  Grayville-2. 
Tracy,  W.  S.— Waterloo-1,  Markle-2,  Lake  Bruce-2,  Royal  Center- 

1,  Defiance-1,  Defiance-Hicksville-1,  Mishawaka-4,  Royal 
Center-1,  Ft.  Recovery-1,  NoblesYille-3,  Culver  C-1.  Bunker 
Hill-2,  Celina  C-3,  Defiance  C-1. 

Tramer,  C. — Indianapolis  lst-1,  Louisville  Zion-2,  Olney-2,  Indian- 
apolis lst-3,  Indianapolis  W.  Side  M-2,  Logansport-1,  Juliet- 
ta-3,  Mishawaka-2,  Richmond-Montgomery-1,  Montgom- 
ery-1. 

Trometer,  J. — Evansville  lst-1,  Vandalia-2,  Waupecong-2,  lonia- 

2,  Mich.  Conf. 
Troyer,  And. — Bunker  Hill-2. 

Troyer,  E.  R. — Greenville  C-2,  Montgomery-2,  Greenville  C-2,  New- 

ville-3,  Bremen-3,  Wabash-2.    Also  in  South  Ind.  Conf. 
Troyer,    J.    K. — Elkhart    C-1,    Montgomery-1,    Montgomery-Rich- 

mond-1,  Newville-2,  Bremen-3,  Dayton  lst-2,  Wabash-2. 
Ude,  Christian — DeKalb-1,  Carmi-1,  Berrien-1,  Vandalia-1,  lonia- 

1,  South  Bend  C-1,  Marshall-1,  Mich.  Conf.-l,  Medaryville-1. 

N.  Liberty  M-1,  South  Bend  C-1. 
Uphaus,  B. — Marshall-1,  Dubois-1,  Fulton-1,  Berrien-1,  DeKalb-1, 

Newville-2,  St.  Mary-2,  Defiance  C-2,  Fulton-1,  Yellow  River 

C-2,  Waupecong-2,  Greenville  C-2,  Celina  C-1,  Warrenton-2, 

West  Salem  C-2,  Greenville  C-1. 

69 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Wachnitz,  F.  C. — St.  Peter-1,  Bippus-2. 

Wales,  Geo.  W. — Greenville  C-1,  DeKalb-1,  E.  Germantown-1. 

Wales,  James — Fulton-l,  DeKalb-1,  E.  Germantown-2,  Cicero-1, 
Noblesville-1,  Van  Wert-1,  Decatur-1,  E.  Germantown-Rich- 
mond-1,  E.  Germantown-2,  Elkhart  Watchtower-3,  Kendall- 
ville  C-2,  N.  Webster-1,  Rochester  C-4,  Lake  Bruce-2,  Ur- 
bana-1,  Huntington-l,  Mishawaka-South  Bend  Mizpah-1, 
South  Bend  Mizpah-1,  Elkhart  S.  Side-1,  Lake  Bruce-1,  Lo- 
gansport-1,  Logansport-Perii-1,  Noblesville-1,  Royal  Center- 

1,  N.  Liberty  M-2,  West  South  Bend-1. 

Walmer,  F.  B.— Yellow  River  M-1,  Waterloo-2,  N.  Webster-2,  Cul- 

ver-3,  Nappanee  C-2,  Royal  Center-4. 
Weisshaar,   G.  a. — Rockport-1,   Bourbon-1,   Camp  Creek-2,   Bra- 

zil-3. 
Weisshaar,  H. — Richmond-1,  Bremen-2,  Medaryville-3. 
Weisjahn,  a.  F. — E.  Germantown-1,  Paulding-1,  Royal  Center-2, 

N.  Webster-1. 
Wendall,  C.  D. — Decatur-2. 
Wesseler,  Wm. — Dubois-1,  Warrenton-1,  Clay  Co.-2,  Carmi-2,  01- 

ney  C-2,  Vandalia-2,  Huntingburg  C-2,  Cumberland,  Tenn,- 

2,  Van  Wert-1. 

Wessling,  Chr. — St.  Mary-1,  Mt.  Carmel-Olney  C-1,  Dubois-War- 
renton  C-1,  Dubois-1,  Olney  C-1,  Vandalia-2,  Clay  Co.-l, 
Newville-2,  Van  Wert-2,  Warrenton-2,  West  Salem  C-2,  Car- 
mi-3,  Huntingburg  C-2,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

Werner,  E.  E. — Royal  Center-1,  Royal  Center-Lake  Bruce-1. 

Weyant,  W.  I. — Portland  C-2,  Huntington  S-1,  E.  Germantown-1. 

Weyrick,  a.  E. — E.  Germantown-2,  Akron-1,  Tippecanoe-2. 

Wiest,  Peter — St.  Mary-Huntington  C-1. 

WiETHAUP,  F. — Mt.  Carmel  C-1,  Evansville  lst-2,  Newville-2,  Ful- 
ton-l, Yellow  River  C-2,  Whitewater-1,  Dayton  lst-2,  Hunt- 
ingburg C-2,  Warrenton-2,  Indianapolis  lst-1,  Evansville 
lst-2,  Huntingburg-2. 

WiLDERMUTH,  A.  W. — Akron-1. 

WiLDERMUTH,  Wm. — Twin  Lakes-1,  Elkhart  C-2,  Huntington  C-1, 
Fulton-l,  Twin  Lakes-1,  Mishawaka-2,  Wanatah-1,  West 
Point-1,  Rochester  C-1,  Urbana-1. 

Winter,  G.  A. — West  Salem-1,  Rockport-2,  Enterprise-2,  Camp 
Creek-3,  Marshall-2,  Rockport-2,  San  Pierre-3,  Enterprise-3, 
Lancaster-2,  Elberfeld-1. 

Wise,  D.  O. — Altamont-1,  Waterloo-Hicksville-1,  Decatur-4,  Louis- 
ville Trinity-3,  Mt.  Carmel-1. 

70 


MINISTERS  OF  THE  CONFERENCE  AND  THE  FIELDS 

Wise,   J.    J. — Decatur-2,    New   Paris-4,    Huntington-4,    Kokomo-2, 

P.  E.-8. 
Wise,  Rudolph — Altamont-1. 
Wright,  C.  A.— Elkhart  S.  Side-1,  Svracuse-3,  Rochester-1,  Cicero- 

l/o-l. 

Young,  J.  C— Celina  C-3,  St.  Louis-2,  South  Ind.  Conf. 

Young,  J.  E.— Defiance  C-2,  Portland  C-2,  Culver-2,  New  Paris-1. 

Zechiel,  D.  E.— Wanatah-1,  Waterloo-3,  Berne-4,  Ft.  Wayne  Beth- 

el-4,  Indianapolis  Grace-2,  Himtingburg-2,  Louisville  Zion- 

4,  Dayton  lst-1. 
Zechiel,   F.   E.— Hicksville-1,   N.   Webster-2,   Portland-3,   Dayton 

Wayne-4,  Urbana-1,  Elkhart  Watchtower-1. 
Zechiel,  S.  I.— Logansport-1,  Markle-2,  West  Point-1,  Louisville 

Trinity-1,   Elkhart   S.   Side-2,   Decatur-2,   Kendallville   C-2, 

Wolcottville-2. 
Zimmer,  George — Elkhart  C-1,  Fulton-2. 
Zuber,  G.  F.— Bippus-2,  Waterloo-1,  Scott-4,  West  Salem-1,  Ridge- 

ville-1. 


71 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


The  Various  Fields  of  Labor  in  the  Indiana 
Conference,  and  the  Ministers  That  Have  Served 

Them 

Akron — {Called  Gilead  for  one  year.) 

P.  Buehler,  '88;  E.  Q.  Laudeman,  '01-2;  A.  E.  Weyrick,  '03; 
J.  M.  Lantz,  '04 ;  W.  Wildermiith,  '05 ;  A.  A.  Knepper,  '06-7 ; 
I.  Steele,  '08 ;  A.  Geist,  '09 ;  J.  L.  Speicher,  '10 ;  E.  Q.  Laude- 
man, '11 -(Gilead) -12;  (Akron),  W.  E.  Snyder,  '13-4;  C.  W. 
Spangler,  '15. 

Altamont — (At  times  served  with  Camp  Creek,  discontinued  in 
1915.) 
J.  H.  Schnitz,  '93-4;  J.  W.  Feller,  '95-6-7;  W.  E.  Snyder, 
'03;  J.  J.  Maier,  '04;  C.  P.  Maas,  '05;  D.  O.  Wise,  '06;  E. 
R.  Baker,  '07;  J.  Mundorf,  '08;  R.  V^^ise,  '09;  J.  H.  Heldt, 
'10-1;  J.  M.  Kistler,  '12;  Ph.  Buehler,  '13;  L.  Haney,  '14. 

Atlanta — (Added  to  Noblesville,  then  to  Cicero.) 
A.  B.  Aegerter,  '10. 

AviLLA — (A  part  of  Kendallville  Cir.    Hopewell  class  and  Garrett 
added.) 
F.  F.  McClure,  '11-2  (Hopewell  add.),  F.  S.  Erne,  '13-4-5. 

Bainbridge — (A  part  of  Berrien  Circuit,  and  reincorporated.) 

A.  Nicolai,  '61. 

Benton — (Part  of  Elkhart  Circuit.     Discontinued.) 

P.  Roth,  A.  Geist,  '72 ;  A.  Hartzler,  '73-4 ;  F.  Launer,  '75-6-7 ; 

D.  S.  Cakes,  '78. 

Berne — (Originally  a  part  of  St.  Mary  and  Decatur  Cir.) 

H.  E.  Overmeyer,  '89 ;  T.  Carrol,  '90-1 ;  Wm.  Ackerman,  '92 ; 
H.  Steiningcr,  '93-4;  J.  W.  Metzner,  '95-6;  C.  M.  Pierce, 
'97-8;  D.  E.  Zech^el,  '99-00-1-2;  D.  B.  Koenig,  '03-4-5;  F. 
Haitman,  '06-7-8;  C.  P.  Maas,  '09-10;  D.  A.  Kaley,  '11-2-3- 
4-5. 

Berne  Circuit — (Formerly  Ohio  City,  Chattanooga.) 

E.  R.  Roop,  '10;  E.  B.  Jones,  '11-2;  J.  L.  Buyer,  Jr.,  '13-4 
(Beine  Cir.),  E.  E.  Roberts,  '15. 

Berrien — (A  circuit  that  lay  in  Michigan  and  became  a  part  of 
that  Conf.) 

B.  Uphaus,  1855;  J.  Fox,  B.  Ruh,  1856;  M.  Krueger,  1857; 
D.  Garll,  1858;  Chr.  Ude,  1859;  B.  Ruh,  J.  M.  Gomer,  1860; 
M.  Alspach,  1861;  R.  Riegel,  1862-63;  P.  Roth,  1864.  In 
1865  became  a  part  of  the  Michigan  Conf. 

72 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE   MINISTERS 

BiPPUS — (Formerly  West  Point.) 

H.  Schleucher,  '03;  W.  E.  Snyder,  '04-5;  F.  F.  McClure, 
'06;  G.  F.  Ziiber,  '07-8;  F.  F.  McClure,  '09-10;  to  be  sup- 
plied, '11;  E.  D.  Haley,  '12-3;  F.  C.  Wachnitz,  '14-15. 

Bourbon — (See  Nappanee  Circuit.) 

G.  A.  Weisshaar,  '10.    Added  to  Nappanee  Circuit  in  '11. 

Brazil — (First  a  large  circuit,  afterward  a  single  appointment, 
served  alone,  and  then  with  Terre  Haute  or  Marshall, 
then  alone  again.) 
J.  Beck,  '73-4;  G.  Schmoll,  '75  (From  '76  to  '92  appointed 
by  South  Ind.  Conf.),  M.  F.  Finkbeiner,  '93-4;  J.  A.  Tiedt, 
'95-6-7 ;  J.  Kaufman,  '98-9 ;  Wm.  Koenig,  '00 ;  B.  E.  Koenig, 
'01-2;  W.  L.  Luehring,  '03;  C.  Harms,  '04;  E.  C.  Ewald,  '06; 

E.  J.  Nitsche,  '07-8-9-10;  I.  H.  Griesemer,  '11;  L.  J.  Ehr- 
hardt,  '12;  G.  A.  Weisshaar,  '13-14-5. 

Bremen — (Yellow  River  Circuit.) 

(Yellow  River  Circuit),  F.  Geisel,  '57;  F.  Wiethaup,  '58-59 
P.  Burgener,  '60-1-2;  A.  Nicolai,  '63;  B.  Uphaus,  '64-5 
Chr.  Heim,  '66-7;  Chr.  Ude,  '68-9;  Chr.  Glaus,  '70-71 
(Bremen),  C.  Glaus,  '72;  J.  K.  Troyer,  A.  Geist,  '73;  J.  K 
Troyer,  '74-5;  Wm.  Koenig,  '76-7;  E.  R.  Troyer,  '78-9-'80 
J.  Hoffman,  '81-2 ;  M.  Krueger,  '83-4 ;  H.  Weisshaar,  '85-6 
C.  F.  W.  Hansing,  M.  S.  Metzler,  '87;  C.  W.  F.  Hansing 
'88-9;  D.  D.  Speicher,  '90-1;  H.  Arlen,  '92;  F.  Schweitzer 
'93 ;  Wm.  Koenig,  '94-5-6 ;  N.  J.  Platz,  '97-8 ;  W.  G.  Braeck- 
ly,  '90-00-01-02 ;  J.  H.  Evans,  '03-4 ;  B.  Schuermeier,  '05-6-7- 
8-9;  H.  Schleucher,  '10-11;  I.  H.  Griesemer,  '12-13-14-15. 

Bremen  Circuit — (Formerly  Yellow  River  Mission,  and  added  to 
Nappanee  Cir.  in  '10.) 
(Yellow  River  Mission),  F.  B.  Walmer,  '01;  J.  W.  Feller, 
'02;    (Bremen  Cir.),  J.  W.  Feller,  '03-4-5;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt, 
'06-7  ;  Ph.  Buehler,  '08-09. 

Bunker  Hill — (Formerly  Waupecong.) 

F.  Geisel,  1858-59 ;  J.  Trometer,  1860-61 ;  D.  Bartholomew, 
1862;  H.  L.  Fisher,  1864;  J.  Kaufman,  1865;  B.  Uphaus, 
1866-67;  P.  Roth,  1868-69;  J.  Miller,  1870-71;  Wm.  Koenig, 
1872-73,  (Bunker  Hill),  A.  Troyer,  1874-75;  Geo.  Schmoll, 
1876-77-78;  Aug.  Iwan,  1879-80;  J.  Beck,  1881;  J.  Bruckert, 
1882;  J.  Hoffman,  1883-84-85;  Geo.  Roederer,  1886-87-88; 
S.  H.  Baumgartner,  1889-90;  C.  F.  W.  Hansing,  1891; 
C.  W.  Spangler,  1892 ;  D.  D.  Spangler,  1893-94 ;  P.  S.  Spei- 
cher, 1895;  J.  Bruckert,  1896-97;  M.  Krueger,  1898;  L.  J. 
Ehrhardt,  1899-1900;  J.  L.  Buyer,  1901-02;  J.  Rees,  1903- 

73 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

04;  J.  M.  Lantz,  1905-06;  C.  D.  Ringgenberg,  1907-08-09; 
W.  S.  Tracy,  1910-11;  J.  H.  Heldt  1912-13-14-15. 

Calhoun — (Changed   to   Kalamazoo   and   incorporated   with   the 
Michigan  Conf.) 
M.  Alspauch,   '57;  M.  Krueger,   '58-59;  M.   Speck,   '60;  J. 
M.    Corner,    '61-62,    (Kalamazoo),    M.    Speck,    '63.      Mich. 
Conf. 

Camp  Creek — (Sometimes  together  with  Altamont,  formerly  called 
Shelby.) 
(Shelby),  F.  Launer,  1867;  J.  Berger,  1868;  J.  Berger,  F. 
Maurer,  1869;  J.  Hoffman,  L.  Grimm,  1870;  J.  Hoffman, 
1872;  C,  Stockhowe,  1873;  J.  Miller,  1874;  N.  J.  Platz,  1875. 
Afterward  supplied  by  South  Ind.  Conf.,  (Camp  Creek),  N. 
J.  Platz,  '93;  to  be  supplied,  '94;  J.  H.  Schnitz,  '95-6;  G.  F. 
Winter,  '98 ;  G.  F.  Winter,  McConnehey,  '99 ;  G.  F.  Winter, 
'00 ;  P.  Buehler,  '01 ;  F.  Reutepoehler,  '02  ;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  '03-4-5 ; 
J.  W.  Feller,  '06-7 ;  A.  W.  Feller,  '08-9-0 ;  G.  A.  Weisshaar, 
'11-2;  Ph.  Buehler,  '13;  L.  Haney,  '14-15. 

Carmi — (Circuit,  mission,  station.) 

J.  Fox,  D.  Bartholomew,  C.  Kohlmeier,  1857;  C.  Ude,  1858; 
Wm.  Wesseler,  1859-60;  Geo.  Schmoll,  1861;  A.  Dassel, 
1862;  M.  Klaiber,  1863-64;  C.  F.  Mathias,  1865-66;  J.  Mil- 
ler, 1867;  F.  Launer,  1868-69;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1870;  C. 
Wessling,  H.  Schleucher,  1871-72;  C.  Wessling,  E.  Bolander, 
1873;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  C.  Mode,  1874;  J.  Kronmiller,  C. 
Stier,  1875  (Supplied  by  South  Ind.  Conf.  until  1893).  E. 
J.  Nitsche,  1893;  G.  Koch,  1894-95;  I.  H.  Griesemer,  1896- 
97-98 ;  C.  Harms,  1899-00  ;  G.  Koch,  1901-02 ;  B.  Schuermeier, 
1903;  E.  J.  Nitsche,  1904-05;  B.  E.  Koenig,  1906-07-08-09- 
10;  A.  W.  Feller,  1911-12-13;  G.  A.  Stierle;  W.  E.  Snyder, 
1915. 

Cavett  Mission — (See  Scott.) 

Celina  Circuit^ (Formed  from  the  southern  points  of  Van  Wert 
Circuit.) 
B.  Uphaus,  1870;  J.  Young,  1871-2;  J.  C.  Young,  G.  Ber- 
stecher,  1873;  J.  Maurer,  G.  Berstecher,  1874;  J.  C.  Schuh, 
1875-6-7;  J.  Beck,  1878-9-80;  Wm.  Koenig,  1881-2-3;  H.  Ar- 
len,  1884-5-6;  J.  C.  Schuh,  1887-8;  A.  S.  Fisher,  1889-90-91; 
Geo.  Roederer,  1892-3-4;  Wm.  Ackerman,  1895-96;  J.  F. 
Bockman,  1897;  J.  H.  Schnitz,  1898;  H.  Schleucher,  1899- 
1900;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1901-2;  J.  L.  Buyer,  1903-4-5-6;  J.  M. 
Lantz,  1907-8-9;  A.  D.  Kroft,  1910-11;  W.  S.  Tracy,  1912- 
13-14;  E.  D.  Haley,  1915. 

74 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE   MINISTERS 

Celina  Mission — 

B.  E.  Koenig,  '11-2-3-4;  F.  Hartman,  '15. 
Chattanooga,  Tenn. — 

D,  J.  Pontius,  '89 ;  to  be  supplied,  '90-01 ;  discontinued, 
Chattanooga  Mission — (See  Berne  Circuit.) 

Cicero — (Formerly  Noblesville  Mission  and  Cicero). 

Jos.  Paulin,  1858;  J.  Hoffman,  1859;  Geo.  Kloepfer,  1860; 

E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1861-62;  M.  Alspauch,  1863;  C.  Shamo, 
1864;  S.  Kiplinger,  1865-66;  D.  J.  Pontius,  1867;  E.  L.  Kip- 
linger,  1868-69;  R.  Riegel,  1870-71;  J.  Wales,  1872;  (No- 
blesville), J.  Wales,  1873;  G.  W.  Freehafer,  1874;  A.  R. 
Schafer,  1875-76;  A.  Hartzler,  1877-78;  Aug.  Geist,  1879; 
D.  Martz,  1880-81-82;  S.  S.  Albert,  1883-84;  J.  E.  Smith, 
1885-86-87;  M.  L.  Scheidler,  1888;  E.  E.  Meyers,  1889-90- 
91;  H.  E.  Overmeyer,  1892-93-94;  J.  R.  Harper,  1895;  C. 
D.  Rarey,  1896-1897;  C.  D.  Rarey,  C.  McConnehey,  1898; 
J.  Wales,  1899;  J.  Rees,  1900-01-02;  F.  Hartman,  1903-04; 
W.  S.  Tracy,  1905-06-07 ;  G.  C.  Lutman,  1908 ;  A.  B.  Aeger- 
ter,  1909;  to  be  supplied,  1910;  J.  L.  Buyer,  Jr.,  1911; 
(Cicero),  J.  L.  Buyer,  Jr.,  1912;  M.  O.  Herman,  1913-14; 

C.  A.  Wright,  1914-15. 

Cincinnati — 

Ed.  Evans,  1864  ;  A.  B.  Schafer,  1865 ;  Geo.  Schmoll,  1866 ;  G. 
A.  Hertel,  1867-68;  M.  Klaiber,  1869-70;  J.  C.  Schuh,  1871- 
72;  Fr.  Brauer,  1873-74;  M.  Mayer,  1875.  (Afterward 
supplied  by  the  South  Ind.  Conf.  until  it  was  discontinued.) 

Clay  Co.  Mission — (A  detachment  of  Marshall  Circuit.) 

M.  Mayer,  1856;  Wm.  Wesseler,  1857-58;  Wm.  Bockman, 
1859;  M.  Klaiber,  1860-61;  Chr.  Wessling,  1862;  J.  Kauf- 
man, 1863;  Chr.  Heim,  1864-65;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1866-67; 
J.  Miller.  1868. 

Clear  Creek — (Discontinued.) 

D.  D.  Spangler,  '89. 

Cleveland,  Tenn. — 

D.  J.  Pontius,  '88 ;  H.  L.  Fisher,  '89 ;  discontinued. 

Common  Center — (Star  City  and  Thorn  Hope.) 

(Star  City),  W.  A.  Stowell,  '10-11;  (Thorn  Hope),  W.  A. 
Stowell,  '12;  (Common  Center),  W.  A.  Stowell,  '13;  J.  M. 
Dustman,  '14;  to  be  supplied,  '15. 

Culver  Station — (Formerly  a  part  of  Twin  Lakes  Cir.) 
J.  E.  Young,  '13-4;  F.  L.  Snyder,  '15. 

75 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Culver  Circuit — (Formerly  Twin  Lakes  Cir.) 

D.  J.  Pontius,  1868 ;  E.  E.  Condo,  1869 ;  Wm.  Wildermuth, 
1870;  J.  Ressler,  1871;  S.  S.  Albert,  1872;  A.  R.  Schafer, 
1873-4 ;  A.  R.  Hartzler,  1875-6 ;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1877 ;  W.  Wil- 
dermuth, 1878 ;  H.  P.  Prechtel,  1879-80 ;  Wm.  Wildermuth, 
1881;  H.  E.  Overmeyer,  1882;  B.  F.  Dill,  1883;  R.  Rainey, 
1884-5-6;  E.  E.  Meyers,  1887-8;  J.  M.  Dustman,  1889-90;  H. 

E.  Overmeyer,  1891;  J.  Rees,  1892-3-4;  J.  M.  Dustman, 
1895;  P.  S.  Speicher,  1896;  L.  Newman,  1897-8-9;  (Culver), 
'10;  P.  L.  Browns,  1901-2-3;  C.  McConnehey,  1904-5;  F.  B. 
Walmer,  1906-7-8;  W.  S.  Tracy,  1909;  T.  J.  Russel,  1910-11- 
12;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  L.  Haney,  1913;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  Ph.  Haney, 
1914;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  1915. 

Cumberland,  Tenn. — 

Wm.  Wesseler,  '67-68   (Discontinued). 

Danville — 

Spring-  Grove,  Wabash  C.  near  Lafayette  (Lafay- 
ette), Geo.  Kloepfer,  '59;  (Wabash  Cir.,  near  Lafay- 
ette), to  be  supplied,  1862;  Ph.  Schwartz,  1863;  D.  S.  Oakes, 
1865;  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1866-67;  (Danville  and  Spring 
Grove),  E.  Condo,  1868;  S.  S.  Albert,  1869;  (Spring  Grove 
only),  S.  S.  Albert,  1870;  H.  E.  Overmeyer,  1871-72;  S.  S. 
Condo,  1873;  (Danville),  J.  Ressler,  1873;  to  be  supplied, 
1874-75;  L.  W.  Crawford,  1876;  (Spring  Grove),  S.  S.  Con- 
do, 1874;  L.  W.  Crawford,  1875;  E.  D.  Einsel,  1876;  (Spring 
Grove  and  Danville),  E.  D.  Einsel,  1877-78;  to  be  supplied, 
1879;  discontinued  in  1880. 

Dayton,  1st  Church — (In  the  early  days  a  part  of  the  Miami 
Circuit  of  the  Ohio  Conf.) 
L.  Schuerman,  1856 ;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1857-58 ;  Phil.  Bretsch, 
1859-60;  F.  Wiethaup,  1861-62;  J.  Fox,  1863-64;  J.  M.  Co- 
mer, 1865-66;  M.  Hoehn,  1867-68;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1869-70; 
M.  Klaiber,  1871-72 ;  J.  Kaufman,  1873-74-75 ;  J.  K.  Troyer, 
1876-77;  J.  M.  Gomer,  1878-79;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1880-81; 
M.  W.  Steffey,  1882-83-84;  M.  Hoehn,  1885-86-87;  C.  C. 
Beyrer,  1888-89-90;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1891;  J.  Hoffman,  1892- 
93-94-95-96 ;  J.  M.  Haug,  1897-98-99-00;  F.  Schweitzer,  1901- 
02-03-04 ;  J.  H.  Evans,  1905-06-07-08-09 ;  C.  Schuermeier, 
1910-11-12-13-14;  D.  E.  Zechiel,  1915. 

Dayton,  Wayne  Ave. — 

A.  0.  Raber,  1888-89-90-91;  W.  H.  Brightmire,  1892-93;  F. 
E.  Zechiel,  1894-95-96-97 ;  J.  H.  Breish,  1898-99-00-01 ;  A.  B. 

76 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE   MINISTERS 

Haist,  1902-03;  G.  B.  Kimmel,  1904-05-06-07-08;  E.  Q.  Lau- 
deman,  1909-10;  J.  H.  Breish,  1911-12-13;  C.  Hirschman, 
1914-15. 

Decatur — (Originally  a  part  of  the  St.  Mary  Circuit,  later  a  mis- 
sion, circuit,  and  individual  appointment.) 
H.  R.  Price,  1872;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1873;  J.  F.  Bockman,  1874; 
J.  Wales,  1875;  Jos.  Fisher,  1876-7;  J.  M.  Dustman,  1881- 
2-3;  A.  R.  Schafer,  1884-5;  J.  E.  Stoops,  1886-7-8;  F.  W. 
Hart,  1889 ;  F.  L.  Snyder,  1890-1 ;  S.  B.  Kring,  1892-3 ;  J. 
J.  Wise,  1894-5;  C.  D.  Wendall,  1896-7;  W.  H.  Mygrant, 
1898-99;  D.  Martz,  1900;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  1901-2;  S.  S.  Albert, 
1903;  A.  B.  Haist,  1904-5-6-7;  D.  O.  Wise,  1908-9-10-11; 
J.  H.  Rilling,  1912-13-14-15. 

Defiance  Circuit — (Part  of  DeKalb  Circuit  east  of  St.  Joseph 
River.) 
G.  A.  Hertel,  Alspauch,  1859 ;  G.  A.  Hertel,  1860;  B.  Uphaus, 
1861-62 ;  J.  Kronmiller,  1863  ;  J.  Berger,  1864 ;  P.  Roth,  1865 ; 
A.  Hartzler,  1866-67 ;  S.  S.  Albert,  1868 ;  D.  J.  Pontius,  1869 ; 
A.  Hartzler,  1870;  A.  Hartzler,  J.  F.  Bockman,  1871;  A. 
Hartzler,  A.  Schafer,  1872 ;  C.  Schamo,  S.  Shoop,  1873 ;  E.  D. 
Einsel,  J.  M.  Dustman,  1874;  J.  Bruckert,  1875;  to  be  sup- 
plied, 1876-77;  A.  O.  Raber,  1878-79;  Wm.  Ackerman,  1880; 
J.  E.  Smith,  1881;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  1882;  J.  E.  Stoops, 
1883 ;  H.  E.  Hoover,  1884 ;  P.  A.  Orth,  1885-86 ;  T.  Carroll, 
1887 ;  H.  E.  Meyers,  1888 ;  F.  L.  Snyder,  1889 ;  S.  H.  Pon- 
tius, 1890;  J.  M.  Dustman,  1891-92;  F.  L.  Snyder,  1893-94; 
H.  Steininger,  1895;  H.  Steininger,  S.  C.  Cramer,  1896; 
W.  S.  Tracy,  Ph.  Buehler,  1897-98;  J.  W.  Metzner,  1899- 
00-01;  C.  A.  Rowe,  1902-03;  D.  A.  Kaley,  1904-05;  S.  J. 
Kroft,  1906-07;  J.  E.  Young,  1908-09;  W.  H.  Mygrant, 
1910;  C.  D.  Ringgenberg,  1911-12;  F.  L.  Snyder,  1913-14; 
W.  S.  Tracy,  1915. 

Defiance  Mission — (Taken  from  Defiance  Circuit.) 

E.  E.  Hauser,  E.  H.  Baumgartner,  1909;  E.  H.  Baumgart- 
ner,  1910-11-12-13;  E.  0.  Haley,  1914;  W.  H.  Flurkey. 

DeKalb  Circuit — (This  is  one  of  the  original  circuits  of  the  Con- 
ference, "a  charter  member,"  and  was  afterward  di- 
vided into  Waterloo  and  Kendallville  Circuits.) 
To  be  suplied,  1852;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1853;  A.  Nicolai, 
1854;  A.  Nicolai,  F.  Geisel,  1855;  B.  Uphaus  and  supply, 
1856;  M.  Mayer,  C.  Ude,  1857;  M.  Mayer,  D.  Bartholomew, 
1858;  M.  Alspauch,  1859;  Fr.  Geisel,  1860;  G.  A.  Hertel, 

77 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1861-62;  Wm.  Bockman,  C.  Schamo,  1863;  J.  M.  Kron- 
miller,  1864 ;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  S.  S.  Albert,  1865 ;  M.  Krue- 
ger,  1866 ;  S.  Kiplinger,  1867 ;  A.  Parker,  Geo.  Wales,  1868 ; 

D.  S.  Oakes,  J.  Wales,  1869;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1870;  E.  L.  Kip- 
linger, E.  F.  Hochstettler,  1871 ;  R.  Riegel,  E.  Einsel,  1872, 
then  divided  into  Waterloo  and  Kendallville  Circuits. 

Dubois  Circuit — (Also  a  "charter  member"  of  the  Conference, 
afterward  divided  into  Huntingburg,  Warrenton  Cir- 
cuits, now  Elberfeld  and  Rockport.) 
P.  Burgener,  G.  Franzen,  1852 ;  B.  Uphaus,  Wm.  Bockman, 
1853;  J.   Keiper,  Wm.  Bockman,   1854;  Wm.  Wessler,   M. 
Mayer,  1855;  Phil.  Bretsch,  1856;  M.  Hoehn,  C.  Wessling, 
1857;  C.  Wessling,  1858;  John  Fox,  1859. 
Edgerton  Circuit — (Formerly  a  part  of  DeKalb.) 

E.  Einsel,  '75;  B.  F.  Dill,  '76-7-8;  A.  R.  Schafer,  '79-80; 
S.  S.  Albert,  '81-2;  A.  Geist,  '83-4;  J.  Bruckert,  '85;  W.  H. 
Brightmire,  '86;  R.  Rainey,  '87-8;  C.  M.  Pierce,  '89;  J. 
Rees,  '90-1 ;  E.  E.  Meyers,  '92-3 ;  J.  M.  Dustman,  '94 ;  J.  M. 
Smith,  '95-6;  J.  Rees,  '97-8-9;  C.  McConnehey,  1900;  C.  H. 
Burgener,  '01-2-3. 

Edgerton  Mission — (A  part  of  Edon,  Waterloo,  Edgerton  Cir- 
cuits.) 
(Edon),   W.   H.   Freshley,   '07;    (Edgerton),   '08-9;   J.   M. 
Lantz,  1910-1-2;  J.  S.  Kroft,  '13;  Ira  Steele,  '14-15. 

Edon — (See  Edgerton  Mission.) 

E.  Germantown  Circuit — (Originally  a  part  of  Whitewater  Cir- 
cuit.) 
E.  Evans,  1863;  J.  Rosenberg,  1864;  C.  Schamo,  1865-66; 
A.  Parker,  1867 ;  Geo.  Kloepfer,  1868 ;  Geo.  Wales,  1869 ;  J. 
Wales,  1870-71;  E.  Evans,  1872-3;  S.  S.  Albert,  1874-5;  J. 
Wales,  1876-77-78;  J.  H.  Stedcke,  1879;  A.  O.  Raber,  1880- 
81;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1882;  Ph.  Orth,  1883-84;  G.  B.  Holdeman, 
1885;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  1886-87;  Geo.  Steininger,  1888-90; 
H.  E.  Overmeyer,  1890;  J.  M.  Rogers,  1891;  P.  Buehler, 
1892-3;  J.  M.  Smith,  1894;  R.  F.  Jamison,  1895-6-7-8;  A. 
Weisjahn,  1899;  C.  W.  Spangler,  1900;  E.  J.  Oliver  (de- 
ceased), A.  E.  Weyrick,  1901-02;  M.  L.  Scheidler,  1903; 
P.  L.  Browns,  1904-5 ;  C.  McConnehey,  1906 ;  A.  W.  Feller, 
1907;  D.  A.  Kaley,  1908-09;  E.  B.  Jones,  1910;  D.  D.  Spei- 
cher,  1911;  C.  H.  Hartman,  1912;  W.  H.  Flurkey,  1913-14; 
W.  i.  Weyant,  1915. 

Elberfeld — (Formerly  a  part  of  Dubois  Circuit,  later  called  War- 
renton, then  Tabor.) 

78 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

Wm.  Wesseler,  1856;  C.  Wessling  and  M.  Hoehn,  1857;  J. 
M.  Kronmiller,  1858  ;  M.  Klaiber,  1859  ;  Wm.  Bockman,  1860- 
61;  J.  Hoffman,  1862;  Chr.  Glaus,  1863-64;  F.  Wiethaup, 
J.  Beck,  1865;  F.  Wiethaup,  1866;  C.  Wessling,  1867-68; 
H.  L.  Fisher,  1869-70 ;  B.  Uphaus,  1871-72 ;  C.  F.  Mathias, 
1873-74;  C.  Kohlmeier,  1875  (suppHed  by  the  South  Ind. 
till  1892),  (Tabor),  J.  Bruckert,  1893;  J.  Mundorf,  1894- 
95-96;  Geo.  Koch,  1897-98-99;  D.  D.  Spangler,  1900-01; 
(Elberfeld),  H.  Gocker,  1902-03-04;  to  be  supplied,  1905; 
J.  A.  Tiedt,  1906-07;  G.  A.  Stierle,  1908-09-10;  F.  Reute- 
poehler,  1911-12-13;  G.  F.  Winter,  1914;  J.  W.  Feller,  1915. 

Elkhart,  Bethel — (Organized  in  1905  and  with  Salem  of  Mish- 
awaka  C.  was  made  a  mission.  In  1912  Paradise  and 
Trout  Cr.  of  the  Mich.  Conf.  were  added.) 

C.  H.  Burgener,  '06-07;  D.  D.  Spangler,  '08-09-10-11-12;  C. 
H.  Hartman,  '13-14-15. 

Elkhart  Circuit — (A  "charter  member"  of  Conference.) 

Jos.  Fisher,  B.  Ruh,  1852 ;  J.  Keiper,  M.  W.  Steffey,  1853 
M.  W.  Steftey,  P.  Goetz,  1854 ;  Chr.  Glaus,  H.  Strickler,  1855 
A.  Nicolai,  M.  Krueger,  1856 ;  Geo.  Kloepfer,  D.  Garl,  1857 
M.  Alspauch,  J.  Huffman,  1858;  R.  Riegel,  P.  Roth,  1859 
Phil.  Schwartz,  P.  Roth,  1860 ;  Phil.  Schwartz,  B.  Ruh,  1861 
Jos.  Paulin,  M.  Speck,  1862;  Jos.  Paulin,  Geo.  Zimmer,  1863 
M.  Krueger,  1864;  M.  Krueger,  T.  Kerstettler,  1865;  Wm 
Bockman,  E.  Condo,  1866 ;  D.  S.  Oakes,  W.  Haustedt,  1867 

D.  S.  Oakes,  J.  K.  Troyer,  1868;  J.  Keiper,  S.  S.  Condo 
1869;  J.  Keiper,  E.  T.  Hochstettler,  1870;  D.  S.  Oakes,  W 
Wildermuth,  1871;  W.  Wildermuth,  1872;  H.  E.  Overmeyer 
1873. 

Elkhart,  Division  St. —  (United  with  the  Watchtower  Church 
and  formed  the  1st  Church.) 
Jos.  Fisher,  1867-68;  J.  Fox,  1869-70;  G.  A.  Hertel,  1871- 
72;  G.  W.  Braeckly,  1873-74;  J.  Beck,  1875;  J.  Huffman, 
1876-77;  C.  C.  Baumgartner,  1878;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1879-80- 
1881;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1882-83-84;  Geo.  Roederer,  1885; 
Aug.  Iwan,  1886-87;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1888-89;  J.  Huffman, 
1890-91;  S.  Heininger,  1892;  J.  H.  Evans,  1893-94;  W.  L. 
Luehring,  1895-96;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1897-98;  Thos.  Fink- 
beiner,  1899-00-01 ;  M.  W.  Sunderman,  1902-03. 

Elkhart,  1st  Church — (Formed  by  the  union  of  Watchtower  and 
Division  St.  Churches.) 
79 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

L.  S.  Fisher,  '04-06;  J.  H.  Breish,  '07-10;  L.  S.  Fisher,  '11- 
13;  E.  W.  Praetorius,  '14-5. 

Elkhart,  South  Side — 

To  be  supplied,  1893 ;  R.  F.  Jameson,  1894 ;  J.  Wales,  1895 ; 
A.  B.  Haist,  1896-97-98;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  1899-00;  discontinued 
from  1901  to  1905;  N.  F.  Platz,  1905;  Geo.  Lutman,  1906- 
07;  C.  A.  Wright,  1908;  F.  Rausch,  1909-10;  J.  L.  Buyer, 
Sr.,  1911-12-13-14-15. 

Elkhart,  Watchtower — (United  with  the  Division  St.  Church 
to  form  the  1st  Church.) 
Jos.  Fisher,  1874-75 ;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1876 ;  A.  Geist,  1877-79 ; 
J.  Wales,  1880-81 ;  A.  O.  Raber,  1882-83-84 ;  D.  Martz,  1885- 
86-87;  S.  B.  Kring,  1888-89;  W.  H.  Brightmire,  1890-91;  M. 
L.  Scheidler,  1892-93-94 ;  A.  S.  Fisher,  1895-96-97-98 ;  F.  E. 
Zechiel,  1899 ;  J.  O.  Hosier,  1900-01-02-03. 

Emmettsville — (United  at  times  with  Winchester,  Greenville  and 
finally  with  Ridgeville,  which  see.) 
S.  C.  Cramer,  '02;  P.   S.   Speicher,   '95-6-7.     United  with 
Ridgeville  '08. 

Enterfrise — (At  times  served  with  Lancaster,  Grayville,  West 
Salem  Cir.) 
To  be  supplied,  '94;  J.  L.  Buyer,  '95;  G.  F.  Winter,  '97; 
J.  A.  Tiedt,  '01-2 ;  F.  Reutepoehler,  '03-4-5-6 ;  G.  A.  Stierle, 
'07 ;  to  be  supplied,  '08 ;  G.  F.  Winter,  '09-10-11 ;  J.  W.  Fel- 
ler, '12-13. 

Evansville,  1st  Church — (Originally  a  part  of  the  Dubois  Cir.) 
To  be  supplied,  1852;  F.  Wiethaup,  1853-54;  Jos.  Fisher, 
1855 ;  M.  Hoehn,  1856 ;  J.  Trometer,  1857  ;  H.  Kramer,  1858 ; 
A.  B.  Schaefer,  1859-60;  J.  Fox,  1861-62;  M.  Mayer,  1863- 
64;  H.  L.  Fisher,  1865-66;  C.  F.  Mathias,  1867;  F.  Wiethaup, 
1868-69 ;  Jos.  A.  Maier,  1870-71 ;  H.  L.  Fisher,  1872-73 ;  M. 
Hoehn,  1874-75.  (From  1876  to  1892  the  South  Ind.  Conf. 
had  charge  of  this  field,  and  therefore  no  names  here.)  L. 
J.  Ehrhardt,  1893 ;  B.  Schuermeier,  1894-95-96 ;  W.  L.  Lueh- 
ring,  1897-98-99-00;  C.  Harms,  1901-02-03;  W.  L.  Luehring, 
1904-05-06-07;  M.  W.  Sunderman,  1908-09-10-11-12;  M.  L. 
Scheidler,  1913-14-15. 

Evansville  Mission — 

Irvin  Roederer,  '15. 

Fulton    Circuit^ — (Formerly   Miami    Mission,    divided    into    De- 
fiance, Twin  Lakes  and  Rochester  Circuits,  which  see. 
This  also  was  a  "charter  member.") 
80 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE   MINISTERS 

J.  Keiper  and  H.  Strickler,  1852;  P.  Goetz,  F.  Schiierman, 
J.  Ruchstuhl,  1853;  B.  Uphaus  and  supply,  1854;  J.  M. 
Kronmiller,  Carl  Heiden,  1855;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1856;  F. 
Wiethaup,  1857;  P.  Burgener,  B.  Ruh,  1858;  A.  Nicolai, 
J.  M.  Corner,  1859;  A.  Nicolai,  D.  Bartholomew,  1860;  D. 
Bartholomew,  Geo.  Kloepfer,  P.  Roth,  1861 ;  M.  Alspauch, 

D.  S.  Oakes,  1862;  Ceo.  Kloepfer,  B.  Uphaus,  1863;  Ceo. 
Zimmer,  J.  M.  Condo,  1864;  C.  Zimmer,  A.  Parker,  1865; 

B.  Hoffman,  S.  S.  Albert,  1866;  B.  Hoffman,  E.  Condo,  1867; 
J.  Keiper,  J.  Wales,  1868;  C.  Schamo,  Wm.  Lueder,  1869; 

C.  Schamo,  W.  Wildermuth,  1870;  Wm.  Koenig,  S.  S.  Al- 
bert, 1871;  F.  Launer,  1872-73;  E.  T.  Hochstettler,  A.  Ceist, 
1874;  E.  T.  Hochstettler,  Ceo.  Roederer,  1875;  W.  Wilder- 
muth, 1876 ;  D.  J.  Pontius,  1877 ;  D.  J.  Pontius,  J.  Bruckert, 
1878 ;  J.  M.  Dustman,  W.  Wildermuth,  1879 ;  J.  M.  Dustman, 
J.  E.  Smith,  1880. 

Ft.  Recovery  Circuit — (See  Portland  Circuit.) 

Ft.  Wayne,  Bethel — (Originally  a  part  of  St.  Mary  Cir.) 

M.  W.  Steffey,  1867-8;  J.  M.  Comer,  1869-70;  M.  Krueger, 
1871;  J.  Schmidli,  1872-3;  Ed.  Evans,  1874-5;  P.  Roth, 
1876-7;  Jos.  Fisher,  1878-79;  M.  Hoehn,  1880-1-2;  Jos. 
Fisher,  1883-4-5;  J.  Miller,  1886-7;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1888- 
89;  C.  F.  W.  Hansing,  1890;  Geo.  Schmoll,  1891-2-3;  S.  H. 
Baumgartner,  1894-5-6-7;  J.  F.  Bockman,  1898;  J.  H.  Ev- 
ans, 1899-1900-1-2;  D.  E.  Zechiel,  1903-4-5-6;  E.  Q.  Laude- 
man,  1907-8;  C.  D.  Rarey,  1909-10-11;  C.  E.  Boyer,  1912; 

E.  Q.  Laudeman,  1913-14-15. 
Ft.  Wayne,  Crescent — 

C.  Hirschman,  '10-13;  C.  E.  Boyer,  '14-15. 
Crayville — (Sometimes  composed  Enterprise  and  at  others  New 
Harmony.     Served  by  the  South   Indiana   Conference 
until  '93.) 
C.  Koch,   '93;  R.   Thiersch,   '94-5;  0.  Markman,   '96-7;  H. 
Cocker,  '98-9-00-1;  J.  Mundorf,  '02;  B.  E.  Koenig,  '03-4; 
S.  J.  Luehring,  '05;  I.  H.   Griesemer,  '06-7-8-9-10;  J.  W. 
Feller,  '11-2-3-4;  Geo.  Lozier,  '15. 
Gilead — (See  Akron.) 

Greenville   Circuit — (Sometimes   with   Emmettsville,   Winches- 
ter, E.  Germantown.) 
Phil.  Schwartz,  Sol.  Blaser,  1859 ;  Ed.  Evans,  1860-61 ;  Geo. 
Kloepfer,  1862 ;  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1863 ;  J.  Hoffman,  S.  Kip- 
linger,  1864;  J.  Hoffman,  1865;  P.  Roth,  A.  Scholz,  1866; 

81 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

P.  Roth,  G.  W.  Wales,  1867;  B.  Uphaus,  J.  C.  Schuh,  1868; 
B.  Uphaus,  E.  R.  Trover,  1869;  C.  Heim,  E.  R.  Troyer, 
1870;  C.  Schamo,  Prechtel,  1871-72;  E.  R.  Troyer,  1873; 
E.  R.  Troyer,  E.  Bolander,  1874;  B.  Uphaus,  C.  F.  W.  Han- 
sing,  1875;  E.  T.  Hochstettler,  J.  Schambers,  1876;  E.  T. 
Hochstettler,  1877-78;  F.  Launer,  1879-80.  (From  1881  to 
1891  see  Winchester.) 

Greenville  Mission — 

R.  F.  Jameson,  1892-93;  Phil.  Buehler,  1894-95;  J.  M.  Dust- 
man, 1896;  E.  E.  Meyers,  1897;  H.  H.  Reinoehl,  1898;  J. 
Stedcke,  1899-00;  C.  W.  Spangler,  1901-02;  J.  M.  Lantz, 
1903 ;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1904-05 ;  P.  S.  Speicher,  1906-07-08 ; 
G.  D.  Eastes,  1909-10-11;  E.  R.  Roop,  1912-13-14;  M.  0. 
Herman,  1914-15. 

Hamilton  Mission — (A  "charter  member  of  Conference.") 

M.  W.  Steffey,  '52;  H.  Strickler,  '53;  G.  G.  Platz,  '54;  J. 
Keiper,  '55 ;  H.  Strickler,  '56. 

HiCKSViLLE — (Served  with  Waterloo  for  a  period,  also  with  Edg- 
erton.) 
To  be  supplied,  '85;  S.  B.  Kring,  '86-7;  F.  E.  Zechiel,  '88; 
M.  L.  Scheidler,  '89-90 ;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '91-2-3 ;  F.  J.  Sted- 
cke, '94;  H.  E.  Thompson,  '95;  J.  M.  Smith,  '96  (united  with 
Edgerton  until  1899)  ;  A.  B.  Haist  '99;  E.  E.  Greiner,  '00- 
1;  W.  H.  Freshley,  '02-03-04;  C.  D.  Ringgenberg,  '05-6; 
D.  O.  Wise,  '07;  C.  H.  Burgener,  '08-9-10;  C.  H.  Hartman, 
'11;  P.  L.  Browns,  '12;  A.  Geist,  '13-4;  W.  H.  Flurkey,  '15. 

Huntingburg — (As  a  part  of  the  Dubois  Circuit,  it  was  first  a 
circuit,  and  finally  settled  into  Maple  Grove  and  Hunt- 
ingburg city.) 
J.  Fox,  1860;  Ch.  Glaus,  1861-62;  F.  Wiethaup,  1863-64; 
Wm.  Wesseler,  1865-66;  H.  L.  Fisher,  1867-68;  Geo. 
Schmoll,  1869;  F.  Wiethaup,  1870;  F.  Wiethaup,  W.  G. 
Braeckly,  1871;  J.  Kronmiller,  W.  G.  Braeckly,  1872;  J. 
Kronmiiler,  1873;  C.  Wessling,  1874-75.  (From  1876  to 
'92  the  South  Ind.  Conf.  appointed  this  field.)  G.  M.  Hall- 
wachs,  1893;  G.  Schmoll,  1894;  H.  Schleucher,  1895-96- 
97;  J.  E.  Smith,  1898-99;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1900-01-02;  W. 
G.  Braeckly,  1903-04-05;  S.  J.  Luehring,  1906-07-08;  D.  E. 
Zechiel,  1909-10;  W.  G.  Braeckly,  1911-12;  A.  B.  Haist, 
1913-14-15. 

Huntington — (Taken  from  the  western  part  of  St.  Mary's  Cir- 
cuit.) 

82 


FIELDS    OF    LABOR    AND    THE    MINISTERS 

B.  Ruh,  1859;  Jos.  Paulin,  1860-61;  Phil.  Schwartz,  1862; 

D.  S.  Oakes,  1863 ;  G.  Kloepfer,  1864 ;  A.  Hartzler,  1865 ;  J. 
A.   Maier,    1866;   S.    S.   Albert,    1867;   R.   Riegel,   1868-69; 

E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1870;  H.  Price,  1871;  J.  F.  Bockman,  1872; 
W.  Wildermuth,  1873-74;  B.  F.  Dill,  1875;  Geo.  Roederer, 
1876;  I.  B.  Fisher,  1877-78-79;  A.  Geist,  1880-81;  D.  J. 
Pontius,  1882;  I.  B.  Fisher,  1883-84-85;  Jos.  Fisher,  1886- 
87;  D.  Martz,  1888-89;  H.  W.  Fisher,  1890;  Wm.  Acker- 
man,  1891;  J.  Wales,  1892;  J.  W.  Metzner,  1893-94;  F.  J. 
Stedcke,  1895;  A.  Geist,  1896;  H.  Steininger,  1897-98;  C. 
M.  Pierce,  1899-1900;  D.  Martz,  1901;  J.  J.  Wise,  1902- 
03-04-05;  C.  D.  Rarey,  1906-07;  J.  W.  Metzner,  1908-09-10; 

C.  H.  Burgener,  1911-12-13;  W.  I.  Weyant,  1914;  R.  W. 
Loose,  1915. 

Indianapolis,  1st  Church — 

M.  W.  Steffey,  1856;  H.  Kramer,  1857;  M.  Hoehn,  1858-59; 
M.  Krueger,  1860-61;  A.  B.  Schafer,  1862;  G.  G.  Platz, 
1863;  J.  M.  Gomer,  1864;  J.  Fox,  1865-66;  F.  Wiethaup, 
1867;  J.  Kaufman,  1868-69;  C.  Tramer,  1870;  M.  Hoehn, 
1871-72-73 ;  H.  L.  Fisher,  1874 ;  C.  Tramer,  1875-76-77 ;  C. 

F.  Hansing,  1878-79;  Jos.  Fisher,  1880-81-82;  M.  Hoehn, 
1883-84;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1885-86-87;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1888- 
89-90;  J.  M.  Haug,  1891-92;  H.  Schleucher,  1893;  F. 
Schweitzer,  1894-95-96;  W.  G.  Braeckly,  1897-98;  F. 
Rausch,  1899-00-01-02;  J.  H.  Breish,  1903-04-05-06;  S.  H. 
Baumgartner,  1907-08;  G.  B.  Kimmel,  1909-10-11-12-13;  J. 
H.  Breish,  1914-15. 

Indianapolis,  2nd  Church — 

F.  Stierle,  1893;  to  be  supplied,  1894;  no  name  given,  1895; 
Thos.  Finkbeiner,  1896-97-98;  I.  H.  Griesemer,  1899-00-01; 
J.  Kaufman,  1902-03-04 ;  F.  Schweitzer,  1905-06 ;  C.  Harms, 
1907;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1908;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1909-10;  E.  J. 
Nitsche,  1911-12-13-14-15. 

Indianapolis,  Grace — 

G.  B.  Kimmel,  1900-01-02-03;  J.  O.  Mosier,  1904-05-06;  D. 
E.  Zechiel,  1907-08;  C.  F.  Boyer,  1909-10;  J.  W.  Carter, 
1911;  F.  Hartman,  1912-13-14;  M.  W.  Sunderman,  1915. 

Indianapolis.  North-east  Mission — 

J.  M.  Gomer,  1871-72;  M.  Klaiber,  1873-74;  C.  F.  Hansing, 

1875-76-77;    C.    Tramer,    1878-79;    to    be    supplied,    1880. 

Wrecked  by  tornado  and  discontinued. 
Ionia  Mission — (Transferred  to  Mich.  Conf.) 

Chr.  Ude,  '61 ;  J.  Trometer,  '62-63. 

83 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

JONESBORO— (See  Mound  City  and  Cairo.) 

JULIETTA — (Later  served  with  Indianapolis,  2nd  Church.) 

J.  Bruckert,  '76-7;  J.  Maurer,  '79;  J.  C.  Schuh,  '81;  C. 
Tramer,  '82-83;  M.  Hoehn,  '85;  to  be  supplied,  '86-7;  J. 
Rees,  '88-9 ;  D.  D.  Spangler,  '90-1 ;  S.  S.  Albert,  '92. 
Kendallville — (Taken  from  DeKalb  Circuit,  and  was  later  di- 
vided into  Kendallville  Station  and  Avilla.) 
R.  Riegel,  E.  Einsel,  1873;  M.  Krueger,  '74;  G.  Freehafer, 
'75-6;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  '77-8;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1879-80-1;  J.  Wales, 
'82 ;  J.  Wales,  D.  E.  Hoover,  '83;  J.  M.  Dustman,  W.  Bright- 
mire,  '84;  A.  Geist,  '85-6;  S.  S.  Albert,  '87;  Jos.  Fisher, 
1888-9;  S.  B.  Kring,  1890-1;  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  '92-3;  W. 
H.  Mygrant,  '94-5-6;  J.  O.  Mosier,  '97-8-9;  A.  B.  Haist, 
1900-1;  J.  H.  Breish,  '02;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  '03-4;  J.  W.  Metz- 
ner,  '05-6-7;  P.  L.  Browns,  '08-9;  W.  H.  Freshley,  '10-1-2- 
3-4;  J.  H.  Evans,  1915. 

Kalamazoo — (See  Calhoun.) 

KOKOMO — (First  Y.  P.  A.  Mission.) 

A.  S.  Fisher,  '02-05;  J.  J.  Wise,  '06-07;  M.  L.  Scheidler, 
'08-12;  B.  G.  Smith,  '13-5. 

Lake  Creek — 

J.  Mode,  '75,  supplied  afterward  by  South  Ind.  Conf . ;  dis- 
continued. 

Lake  Bruce — (Bruce  Lake,  Tippecanoe,  Leiter's  Ford,  Lake 
Bruce,  originally  a  part  of  Fulton  Circuit.) 
To  be  supplied,  '88;  J.  Wales,  '89-90;  S.  S.  Albert,  '91;  D. 
D.  Spangler,  '92 ;  J.  M.  Smith,  '93 ;  W.  S.  Tracy,  '94-5 ;  J. 
Wales,  '96 ;  R.  Rainey,  '97 ;  E.  E.  Meyers,  '98 ;  W.  E.  Sny- 
der, E.  Werner,  '99;  J.  Wales,  B.  Werner,  '00.  (Tippe- 
canoe) ,  C.  D.  Ringgenberg,  '01 ;  J.  Boehyer,  '02 ;  A.  D.  Ka- 
ley,  '03;  A.  E.  Weyrick,  '04-5;  L.  E.  Smith,  '06.  (Leiter's 
Ford),  L.  E.  Smith,  '07.  (Lake  Bruce),  L.  E.  Smith,  '08; 
Ira  Steele,  '09-10-1;  C.  W.  Schlemmer,  '12-3-4;  R.  W.  Hand- 
schu,  '15. 

Lakeville — (A  part  of  Elkhart  Cir.) 

H.  H.  Reinoehl,  '10-11 ;  N.  F.  Platz,  '12^13-14-15. 

Laporte — 

J.  M.  Gomer,  '76-7 ;   J.  Hoffman,  '78-9-80 ;   G.  Schmoll,  '81- 
2-3 ;  A.  Iwan,  '84 ;  discontinued. 

Lancaster — (See  West  Salem  Circuit.) 
Lafayette— (See  Danville.) 

84 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

Linn  Grove — (Formerly  Vera  Cruz  and  Newville.) 

J.  Fox,  1854;  F.  Wiethaup,  1855-56;  B.  Uphaus,  1857-58; 
Chr.  Glaus,  1859-60 ;  M.  Hoehn,  1861-62 ;  C.  Wessling,  1863- 
64;  Phil.  Porr,  1865-66;  J.  Fox,  1867-68;  Geo.  Hertel,  1869- 
70;  J.  K.  Troyer,  1871-72;  Chr.  Glaus,  1873-74;  E.  R. 
Troyer,  1875-76-77;  J.  Miller,  1878-79;  Geo.  Roederer, 
1880-81-82;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1883-84-85;  J.  Hoffman,  1886-87; 
J.  Bruckert,  1888-89;  J.  H.  Evans,  1890;  (Vera  Cruz), 
J.  H.  Evans,  1891-92;  M.  Krueger,  1893;  N.  J.  Platz,  1894- 
95-96;  D.  D.  Spangler,  1897-98-99;  J.  H.  Rilling,  1900-01; 
J.  F.  Bockman,  1902;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1903;  (Linn  Grove), 
E.  E.  Greiner,  1904-05-06;  J.  L.  Buyer,  Sr.,  1907-08;  J. 
Rees,  1909-10;  D.  R.  Heil,  1911-12-13-14-15. 

liOGANSPORT — 

Wm.  Koenig,  '74-5;  to  be  supplied,  '76;  Aug.  Iwan,  '77-8; 
M.  Hoehn,  '79 ;  C.  Tramer,  '80 ;  J.  C.  Schuh,  '81-2 ;  H.  Arlen, 
'83;  J.  H.  Schnitz,  '84;  H.  E.  Overmeyer,  '85-6;  D.  D. 
Speicher,  '87;  G.  B.  Holdeman,  '88;  Jos.  Fisher,  '90-1-2;  to 
be  supplied,  '93;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  '94;  W.  E.  Snyder,  '95-6;  J. 
Wales,  '97-8;  S.  C.  Cramer,  '99-00-1;  H.  Steininger,  '02- 
3;  F.  F.  McClure,  '04;  A.  Geist,  '05-6;  G.  D.  Eastes,  '07-8; 
C.  W.  Schlemmer,  '09;  J.  W.  Carter,  '10;  E.  E.  Hauser,  '11; 
J.  S.  Kroft,  '12;  E.  B.  Jones,  F.  F.  McClure,  '13;  E.  R. 
Roederer,  '14 ;  J.  W.  Carter,  1915. 

Louisville,  Trinity — (Organized  in  1889  by  C.  Stockhowe,  who 
served  it  at  first,  then  was  followed  by  Young,  who 
were  appointed  by  the  South  Ind.  Conf.) 

B.  Schuermeier,  1893;  I.  H.  Griesemer,  1894-5;  D.  B.  Koe- 
nig, 1896-7;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  1898;  R.  F.  Jamison,  1899-00- 
01-02;  F.  S.  Erne,  1903-4-5-6;  E.  W.  Praetorius,  1907-8-9- 
10-11;  D.  0.  Wise,  1912-3-4;  L.  E.  Smith,  1915. 

Louisville,  West  Side  Mission — 

J.  Maurer,  1872;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1873-4-5.  Afterward  sta- 
tioned by  the  So.  Ind.  Conf.  until  it  ceased  as  an  appoint- 
ment. 

Louisville,  Zion — 

M.  Mayer,  1865-6 ;  M.  Klaiber,  1867-8 ;  M.  Hoehn,  1869-70 ; 

C.  Tramer,  1871-2;  M.  Speck,  1873-4-5.  (From  1876  to 
1892,  the  S.  Ind.  Conf.  appointed  this  field.)  W.  L.  Lueh- 
ring,  1893-4;  F.  Rausch,  1895-6-7-8;  I.  B.  Fisher,  1899- 
1900-1;  Geo.  Roederer,  1902-3-4-5;  W.  G.  Braeckly,  1906- 
7-8-9-10;  D.  E.  Zechiel,  1911-2-3-4;  B.  E.  Koenig,  1915. 

85 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Markle  Circuit — (Detached  from  Markle  Station.) 
E.  Snyder,  '14;  F.  F.  McClure,  15. 

Markle  Station — (A  part  of  Huntington  Cir.) 

W.  S.  Tracy,  '92-3 ;  J.  Rogers,  '94 ;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  '95-6 ;  S.  A. 
Elzy,  '99-00;  J.  E.  Stoops,  '01;  E.  E.  Greiner,  '02-3;  C.  H. 
Burgener,  '04;  F.  L.  Snyder,  '05;  P.  L.  Browns,  '06;  C.  E. 
Geist,  '07-8;  E.  E.  Miller,  1909-10-11-12-13;  R.  W.  Loose, 
'14;  C.  W.  Schlemmer,  '15. 

Marshall  Circuit — (A  "charter  member"  of  Conf.) 

Fr.  Wiethaup,  1852;  B.  Ruh,  1853-54;  P.  Burgener,  1855 
Wm.  Bockman,  1856;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1857;  M.  Klaiber 
1858;  Jos.  Paulin,  1859;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1860;  J.  Huff- 
man, Geo.  Schmoll,  1861 ;  M.  Mayer,  1862 ;  Chr.  Ude,  1863 
G.  G.  Platz,  1864;  Chr.  Glaus,  1865;  Phil.  Miller,  1866;  Geo 
Schmoll,  1867-68;  J.  Miller,  1869;  C.  F.  Mathias,  J.  Maurer 
1870;  C.  F.  Mathias,  C.  Stockhowe,  1871-72;  J.  C.  Schuh 
1873-74;    P.   Roth,   1875.      Between   1876-1892,   the   South 
Ind.  Conf.  supplied  this  field,  hence  no  names.)     J.  A.  Tiedt 
1893-94;  C.  Harms,  1895-96-97-98;  J.  H.  Rilling,  1899;  G 
Koch,  1900;  G.  F.  Winter,  1901-02;  J.  Mundorf,  1903-04- 
05;  E.  J.  Nitsche,  1906-07-08-09-10;  I.  H.  Griesemer,  1911 
L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1912-13-14-15. 

Medaryville — (See  San  Pierre.) 

Miami  Circuit — (A  "charter  member"  of  Conf.     Divided  into 
Greenville  Circuit  and  Montgomery  Mission.) 
J.  Keiper,  P.  Goetz,  '56;   C.  Glaus,  B.  Ruh,  '57;   C.  Glaus, 
P.  Schwartz,  '58. 

Miami  Mission — (A  "charter  member"  of  Conference.     See  Ful- 
ton Circuit.) 

MiSHAWAKA — (At  first  quite  a  large  circuit,  now  a  station.) 

M.  Krueger,  1872-3 ;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1874-5 ;  D.  S.  Oakes,  Wm. 
Ackerman,  1876 ;  J.  F.  Bockman,  1877-8 ;  E.  T.  Hochstettler, 
1879  ;  H.  Arlen,  1880  ;  H.  Prechtel,  1881-2 ;  H.  E.  Overmeyer, 
1883;  W.  Wildermuth,  1884-5;  A.  R.  Schafer  (deceased), 
J.  Bruckert,  1886-7 ;  S.  S.  Albert,  F.  L.  Snyder,  1888 ;  S.  S. 
Albert,  1889-90;  F.  Rausch,  1891-2;  J.  Wales,  1893;  M. 
Krueger,  1894;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1895-6;  A.  Geist,  1897-8; 
W.  S.  Tracy,  1899-00-1-2;  L.  Newman,  1903-4-5-6;  F. 
Rausch,  1907-8;  A.  S.  Fisher,  1909-10-11;  H.  Schleucher, 
1912;  D.  D.  Spangler,  1913-4-5. 

MISSISSINAWA — (A  part  of  Montgomery  Cir.,  Phillipsburg.) 
J.  Hoffman.  '63;  S.  Kiplinger,  '64;  Geo.  Kloepfer,  '65. 

86 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

Mound  City  and  Cairo — (Also  Jonesboro.) 

J.  A.  Maier,  '74;  (Jonesboro),  J.  A.  Maier,  75.  (Supplied 
by  South  Indiana  Conf.  after  75.     Discontinued.) 

Mt.  Carmel  Circuit— (A  "charter  member"  of  Conference.) 

Fr.  Wiethaup,  1852;  Jos.  Fisher,  1853-54;  Wm.  Bockman, 
1855;  Jos.  Fisher,  C.  Wessling,  1856;  J.  Fox,  1857;  C.  Kohl- 
meier,  1858;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1859;  John  Huffman,  1860- 
61;  Geo.  Schmoll,  1861;  M.  Klaiber,  1862;  C.  Kohlmeier, 
H.  L.  Fisher,  A.  Parker,  1864;    Chr.  Glaus,  1865;   J.  Ber- 

ger,  A.  J.  Miller,    ;  J.  Berger,  P.  Miller,    ;  J.  M. 

Gomer,  1868. 

Mt.  Carmel  Station — (See  circuit.) 

John  Huffman,  1869;  Geo.  Kloepfer,  1870;  J.  M.  Kronmil- 
ler, 1871 ;  J.  A.  Maier,  1872-73 ;  H.  Schleucher,  1874-75.  (In 
the  years  1876-1892  the  South  Indiana  Conf.  supplied  this 
field,  and  hence  no  appointments  appear  here.)  I.  H.  Griese- 
mer,  1893;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1894-95-96;  B.  Schuermeier, 
1897;  J.  L.  Buyer,  1898-99-00;  0.  L.  Markman,  1901-02-03; 
H.  Schleucher,  1904-05;  C.  P.  Maas,  1906-07-08;  C.  E.  Geist, 
1909-10-11-12-13;  L.  E.  Smith,  1914;  D.  0.  Wise,  1915. 

Murphysboro — 

Geo.    Berstecher,    75 ;   afterward   supplied   by   South    Ind. 

Conf.  and  discontinued. 
Nappanee  Circuit — (Bourbon  added  in  '11.     Also  Bremen  Mis- 
sion and  Yellow  River  Mission.) 

J.  W.  Metzner,  '91-2;  H.  H.  Reinoehl,  '93-4-5-6;  S.  Hoffer- 

bert,  97-8;  H.  H.  Reinoehl,  '99-00-1-2;  C.  D.  Rarey,  '03-4-5; 

A.  S.  Fisher,  '06-7-8;  F.  B.  Walmer,  '09-0;  A.  B.  Aegerter, 

'11-2-3;  E.  Greiner,  '14-15. 

Nappanee  Mission — 

L.  E.  Smith,  '11-2-3;  E.  E.  Miller,  '14-15.  See  Nappanee 
Cir. 

New  Harmony — (United  with  Grayville,  1901.) 
0.  L.  Markman,  '98-9-00. 

New  Paris — 

Jos.  Fisher,  1872-3;  H.  E.  Overmeyer,  1874;  D.  S.  Oakes, 
1875;  J.  F.  Bockman,  1876;  A.  R.  Schafer,  1877-8;  S.  S. 
Albert,  H.  Arlen,  1879;  S.  S.  Albert,  1880;  C.  C.  Beyrer, 
1881-2;  D.  Martz,  1883-4;  J.  M.  Dustman,  1885;  J.  M.  Dust- 
man, D.  D.  Speicher,  1886;  J.  M.  Dustm.an,  1887;  J.  E. 
Smith,  S.  Hofferbert,  1888;  J.  E.  Smith,  1889-90;  A.  Geist, 

87 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1891-2-3;  T.  Carroll,  1894;  J.  Rees,  1895-6;  W.  H.  Mygrant, 
1897;  J.  J.  Wise,  1898-9-0-1;  J.  E.  Stoops,  1902-3;  D.  D. 
Spangler,  1904-5-6-7;  A.  A.  Knepper,  1908-9-10-1;  Ira 
Steele,  1912-3;  F.  F.  McClure,  1914;  J.  E.  Young,  1915. 

Newville — (See  Linn  Grove  and  Vera  Cruz.) 

North  Liberty — (New  Liberty  Mission,  West  South  Bend.) 

J.  Wales,  '01-2;  (West  South  Bend),  '03;  M.  W.  Sunderman, 
"04;  N.  F.  Platz,  '05;  (New  Liberty  Mission),  I.  G.  Spen- 
cer, '06-7.     Discontinued,  '08. 

North  Webster — (A  part  of  Elkhart  Circuit.) 

J.  Bruckeit,  '79-80-1 ;  A.  Geist,  '82 ;  W.  H.  Brightmire,  '83 ; 
J.  Wales,  '84;  W.  H.  Brightmire,  '85;  G.  B.  Holderman,  '86- 
7;  J.  F.  Bockman,  '88;  F.  E.  Zechiel,  '89-90;  S.  H.  Pontius, 
'91-2;  S.  Beverly,  '93;  E.  E.  Meyers,  '94-5;  R.  Rainey,  '96; 
S.  C.  Cramer,  '97-8;  Ph.  Buehler,  '99-00;  L.  Newm.an,  '01- 
02;  A.  F.  Wiesjahn,  '03;  F.  B.  Walmer,  1904-5;  D.  R.  Heil, 
'06-7-8-9-10;  F.  F.  Howell,  '11;  A.  D.  Kroft,  '12-3;  J.  M. 
Kistler,  '14-5. 

Olney  Circuit — (A  part  of  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit.) 

P.  Burgener,  1854;  B.  Ruh,  1855;  Jos.  Fisher,  C.  Wessling, 
1856;  D.  Bartholomew,  C.  Kohlmeier,  1857;  J.  Fox,  1858; 

C.  Wessling,    1859;    C.    Kohlmeier,    1860;   Wm.   Wesseler, 

1861-62;   Geo.  Schmoll,   1863; ,   1864;  J.   Berger, 

1865;  Chr.  Glaus,  1866-67;  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  1868-69;  J. 
Kaufman,  1870;  J.  Huffman,  1871. 

Oi>NEY  Station — (See  Olney  Circuit.) 

J.  Kaufman,  1872;  C.  Tramer,  1873-74;  W.  G.  Braeckly, 
1875.  (1876  to  1892,  the  South  Ind.  Conf.  had  the  appoint- 
ing of  this  field.)  F.  Rausch,  1893-94 ;  Geo.  Roederer,  1895- 
96-97;  D.  B.  Koenig,  1898-99;  B.  Schuermeier,  1900-01-02 

D.  D.  Speicher,  1903-04;  M.  W.  Sunderman,  1905-06-07 
A.  B.  Haist,  1908-09-10-11-12;  M.  W.  Sunderman,  1913-14 
C.  P.  Maas,  1915. 

Ohio  City — (Separated  into  St.  Peter's  and  Chattanooga.) 

E.  R.  Roop,  '09. 
Owensboro — (See  Rockport.) 
Paulding — (See  Scott-Cavett.) 

A.  Wiesjahn,  '00;  W.  H.  Freshley,  '01;  G.  C.  Lutman,  '02; 
C.  D.  Ringgenberg,  '03. 
Payne— (Of  St.  Mary  Cir.) 

E.  B.  Kern,  '91;  Wm.  Ackerman,  '92;  R.  Rainey,  '93;  Wm. 
Riley,  '94-5 ;  P.  Buehler,  '96 ;  J.  M.  Smith,  '97-8. 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

Peru — 

E.  J.  Oliver,  '99-00;  F.  F.  McClure,  '01-2-3;  B.  Schuermeier, 
'04;  F.  F.  McClure,  '05;  W.  E.  Snyder,  '06-7;  C.  Harms, 
'08;  P.  L.  Speicher,  '09;  E.  C.  Ewalcl,  '10;  C.  P.  Maas, 
'12-3-4;  F.  J.  Stedcke,  '15. 

Phillipsburg — (Montgomery,  a  part  of  Miami  Circuit.) 

D.  Bartholomew,  1859;  M.  Mayer,  1860;  J.  M.  Kronmiller, 
1861-62;  D.  Bartholomew,  1863;  B.  Hoffman,  1864;  G. 
Schmoll,  J.  C.  Schuh,  1865-66;  Wm.  Bookman,  1867;  J.  A. 
Maier,  1868 ;  J.  K.  Troyer,  1869-70 ;  J.  Maurer,  E.  R.  Troyer, 
1871;  E.  R.  Troyer,  F.  Brauner,  1872;  J.  Hoffman,  1873- 
74-75;  J.  Beck,  1876-77;  J.  C.  Schuh,  1878-79;  J.  Miller, 
1880-81-82;  F.  Launer,  1883;  F.  Rausch,  1884-85;  C.  Tra- 
mer,  1886-87;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1888;  Geo.  Schmoll,  1889-90; 
B.  F.  Snyder,  1891;  (Phillipsburg),  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  1892; 
H.  Cocker,  1893-94-95;  E.  E.  Meyer,  1896-97;  J.  A.  Tiedt, 
1898-99-00;  P.  S.  Speicher,  1901-02-03-04;  E.  E.  Miller, 
1905-06-07-08;  W.  A.  Stowell,  1909;  C.  D.  Ringgenberg, 
1910;  A.  Geist,  1911-12;  D.  P.  Claypool,  1913;  J.  Mundorf, 
1914-15. 

Portland  Circuit — (Ft.  Recovery.) 

D.  J.  Pontius,  '81;  B.  F.  Dill,  '82;  J.  C.  Schuh,  '83-4;  H.  E. 
Meyers,  '87;  T.  Carroll,  '88-9;  H.  H.  Reinoehl,  '90-1;  S.  Hof- 
ferbert,   '92-3;  R.  Rainey,  '94-5;  C.  M.  Pierce,  '96;  P.  L. 
Browns,  '97-8;  J.  M.  Smith,  '99-00;  F.  L.  Snyder,  '01-2-3 
W.  S.  Tracy,  '04 ;  J.  Rees,  '05-6-7-8 ;  C.  D.  Overmeyer,  '09 
(Portland  Cir.),  J.  E.  Young,  '10-11;  W.  I.  Weyant,  '12-3 

E.  H.  Baumgartner,  '14-15. 
Portland  Mission — 

L.  S.  Fisher,  '85 ;  I.  B.  Fisher,  '87 ;  W.  H.  Brightmire,  '88-9 ; 
Ph.  A.  Orth,  '90 ;  F.  E.  Zechiel,  '91-2-3 ;  H.  Thompson,  '94 ; 

F.  L.  Snyder,  '95-6-7;  J.  E.  Stoops,  '98-9;  M.  W.  Sunder- 
man,  '00-01 ;  C.  W.  Spangler,  '02-3-4 ;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '05- 
6;  F.  S.  Erne,  '07-8;  L.  E.  Smith,  '09;  C.  H.  Hartman,  '10; 
E.  R.  Roop,  '11 ;  J.  W.  Carter,  '12;  F.  F.  McClure,  '13;  Geo. 
Lozier,  '14;  J.  Arndt,  '15. 

Pulaski — (See  San  Pierre.) 

RiDGEVILLE — 

W.  E.  Snyder,  '08-9-10-11-12;  J.  W.  Carter,  '13-4;  G.   F. 
Zuber,  '15. 
Richmond — Geo.  Schmoll,  1864;  B.  Hoffman,  1865;  J.  Hoffman, 
1866-67;  J.  A.  Mayer,  1868-69;  Wm.  Koenig,  1870.     (Made 

89 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

a  part  of  Montgomery  Cir.  in  1871.)  H.  P.  Prechtel,  1873; 
J.  Schmidli,  1874-75;  J.  Wales,  1876;  Geo.  Roederer,  1877- 
78-79.     (Added  to  E.  Germantown,  1880.) 

Rochester  Circuit — 

J.  Wales,  '85-6-7-8 ;  J.  Hoffman,  '89 ;  D.  J.  Pontius,  '90 ;  W. 
Wildermuth,  '91 ;  J.  M.  Rogers,  '92-3. 

Rochester  Station — 

H.  Arlen,  '81-2;  L.  S.  Fisher,  '83-4;  A.  O.  Raber,  '85-6-7; 
H.  E.  Neff,  '88-9;  D.  Martz,  '90;  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  '91; 
A.  S.  Fisher,  '92-3-4;  C.  W.  Spangler,  '95-6-7-8;  M.  L. 
Scheidler,  '99-00-1;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '02-3;  A.  Geist,  '04;  E. 
Q.  Laudeman,  '05-6;  L.  Newman,  '07-8;  J.  H.  Rilling,  '09- 
10-11;  C.  A.  Wright,  '12-13;  G.  Pullman,  '14-5. 

HOCKPORT — (Owensboro,  a  part  of  Dubois  Circuit.) 

E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1860 ;  C.  F.  Mathias,  1868-69 ;  Geo.  Schmoll, 
1870-71-72;  H.  Schleucher,  1873;  N.  J.  Platz,  1874;  M. 
Koehl,  1875.  (From  1876  to  1892,  the  South  Ind.  Conf. 
appointed  this  field.)  (Owensboro),  1893,  R.  Thiersch; 
(Rockport),  G.  F.  Winter,  1894-95;  J.  L.  Buyer,  1896-97; 
J.  W.  Feller,  1898;  B.  E.  Koenig,  1899-00;  F.  S.  Erne,  1901- 
02 ;  G.  F.  Winter,  1903-04 ;  to  be  supplied,  '05 ;  J.  Mundorf , 
1906-07;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  1908-09-10;  C.  Harms,  1911-12-13-14- 
15. 

Royal  Center — 

Wm.  Ackerman,  '81;  J.  C.  Schuh,  '82  (added  to  Logansport 
until  1890),  Ph.  Buehler,  '90-1;  to  be  supplied,  "92-95;  W.  S. 
Tracy,  1896 ;  W.  E.  Snyder,  '97-8 ;  W.  E.  Snyder,  E.  Werner, 
'99;  J.  Wales,  '00;  A.  J.  Wiesjahn,  '01-2;  W.  S.  Tracy,  '03; 
D.  R.  Heil,  '04-5;  D.  A.  Kaley,  1906-7;  S.  J.  Kroft,  '08-9-10- 
1 ;  F.  B.  Walmer,  '12-3-4-5. 

San  Pierre — (Medaryville,  Pulaski,  N.  Liberty,  Wanatah.) 

D.  Bartholomew,  1864;  Chr.  Ude,  1865;  (Pulaski),  A.  Par- 
ker, 1866;  (N.  Liberty),  Chr.  Ude,  '66;  J.  Keiper,  1867; 
(Medaryville),  Chr.  Heim,  1868-69;  Wm.  Lueder,  1870-71- 
72;  (Wanatah),  P.  Roth,  1873-74;  J.  Miller,  1875-76-77; 
Wm.  Koenig,  1878-79-80;  Aug.  Iwan,  1881-82;  (Medary- 
ville), Aug.  Iwan,  1883;  C.  F.  W.  Hansing,  1884-85-86;  H. 
Weisshaar,  1887-88-89;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  1890;  (Wanatah),  A. 
Iwan,  1885;  J.  C.  Schuh,  1886;  A.  S.  Fisher,  1887-88;  W. 
Wildermuth,  1889;  B.  F.  Snyder,  1890;  (Medaryville),  J. 
A.  Tiedt,  1891-92;  E.  Bolander,  1893-94;  M.  Krueger,  1895; 
(Wanatah),  D.  E.  Zechiel,  1895;  (Medaryville),  M.  Krue- 
ger, C.  Kalwitz,  1896 ;  J.  Mundorf,  1897-98-99 ;  J.  W.  Fel- 

90 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

ler,  1900;  (San  Pierre),  1901;  E.  C.  Ewald,  1902-03-04; 
G.  F.  Winter,  1905;  G.  F.  Winter,  G.  A.  Stierle,  1906; 
J.  L.  Winter,  1905;  G.  I.  Winter,  G.  A.  Stierle,  1906;  G.  F. 
Winter,  1907-08;  J.  L.  Buyer,  1909-10;  J.  Mundorf,  1911-12- 
13;  F.  Reutepoehler,  1914-15. 

Scott — (Cavett.) 

(Cavett),  C.  D.  Ringg-enberg,  '04;  (Scott),  S.  D.  Rainey, 
'05-6-7;  F.  J.  Stedcke,  '08;  A.  D.  Kroft,  '09;  G.  F.  Zuber, 
'10-1-2-3;  A.  B.  Aegerter,  '14-15. 

Silver  Lake — (See  Warsaw). 
J.  Ressler,  1872. 

Shelby — (See  Camp  Creek.) 

South  Bend,  1st  Church — (See  cir.) 

C.  Kohlmeier,  1859;  M.  Hoehn,  1860.  (In  1861-62  was 
temporarily  united  with  the  circuit  on  account  of  war  con- 
ditions). A.  B.  Schafer,  1863-64;  Ed.  Evans,  1865;  J. 
Kaufman,  1866-67;  Chr.  Glaus,  1868-69;  J.  Berger,  1870- 
71-72;  J.  M.  Corner,  1873-74-75;  M.  Hoehn,  1876-77-78;  J. 
Berger,  1879;  F.  F.  Meyer,  1880-81-82;  Geo.  Roederer, 
1883-84;  C.  F.  Hansing,  1885-86-87;  M.  Hoehn,  1888-89; 
M.  W.  Steffey,  1890-91-92;  W.  G.  Braeckly,  1893-94-95-96; 
F.  Schweitzer,  1897-98-99;  E.  J.  Nitsche,  1900-01-02-03; 
F.  Rausch,  1904-05-06;  H.  Schleucher,  1907-08-09;  J.  H. 
Evans,  1910-11-12-13-14;  W.  H.  Freshley,  1915. 

South  Bend  Circuit — (Taken  from  Elkhart  Circuit.) 

Geo.  Eckhart,  1854;  J.  Fox,  1855;  J.  Fox,  B.  Ruh,  1856;  Jos. 
Fisher,  1857-58;  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1859;  R.  Riegel,  1860; 
A.  B.  Schaefer,  M.  Speck,  1861;  Wm.  Bockman,  C.  Ude, 
1862;  J.  M.  Gomer,  1863;  P.  Roth,  1864;  Geo.  A.  Hertel, 
1865-66;  Chr.  Ude,  1867;  B.  Hoffm.an,  1868-69;  S.  Kip- 
linger, 1870-71. 

South  Bend,  Grace — (Beulah,  also  part  of  N.  Liberty  and  West 
South  Bend.) 
J.  Wales,  1903 ;  M.  W.  Sunderman,  1904 ;  N.  F.  Platz,  1905- 
06-07;  F.  F.  McClure,  1908;  L.  Newman,  1909-10;  W.  H. 
Mygrant,  1911;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1912-13-14-15. 

South  Bend  Mission — (Discontinued  in  '73  and  united  with  the 
1st  Church.)  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1872. 

South  Bend,  Mizpah — 

J.  Wales,  W.  S.  Mills,  1893;  J.  Wales,  1894;  M.  L.  Scheid- 
ler,  1895-96-97-98;  L.  S.  Fisher,  1899-00-01;  Thos.  Fink- 
beiner,  1902-03;  D.  Martz,  1904;  J.  H.  Rilling,  1905-06-07- 
08;  F.  Hartman,  1909-10;  J.  0.  Mosier,  1911-12-13-14-15. 

91 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

St.  Louis — 

To  be  supplied,  '65-66 ;  J.  Young,  74-75. 
St.   Joseph   Circuit — (Transferred  to   Michigan   Conference   in 
'64.) 

B.  Uphaus,  M.  Alspauch,  '56;  M.  Alspauch,  '58;  P.  Bur- 
gener,  '59 ;  P.  Schwilli,  '60-61 ;  Peter  Roth,  '62-63. 

St.    Mary   Circuit — (A    "charter   member"    of   Conference.     A 
mother  of  many  fields.) 
A.  Nicolai,  F.  Schuerman,  1852;  A.  Nicolai,  J.  Fox,  1853 
J.  M.  Kronmiller,  H.  Strickler,  1854;  G.  Goetz,  C.  Wessling 
1855;   P.   Burgener,   1856;   P.   Burgener,   J.   Paulin,   1857 
A.  Nicolai,  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1858;  B.  Uphaus,  Ed.  Evans 
1859 ;  B.  Uphaus,  M.  Alspauch,  1860 ;  R.  Riegel,  Fr.  Geisel 
1861;  M.  Krueger,  P.  Thornton,  1862;  M.  Krueger,  1863 
D.  S.  Oakes,  1864;  Peter  Wiest,  1865;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1866 
Jos.  A.  Mayer,  1867 ;  Ad.  Hartzler,  1868-69 ;  P.  Roth,  S.  S 
Condo,  1870-71;  G.  W.  Freehafer,  1872-73;  Fr.  Launer,  S 
Shoop,  1874 ;  J.  E.  Smith,  1875 ;  S.  S.  Albert,  1876-77 ;  Fr 
Launer,  1878;  W.  Ackerman,  1879;  I.  B.  Fisher,  1880-81-82 
J.  Bruckert,  1883-84;  J.  C.  Schuh,  1885;  F.  Rausch,  1886- 
87;  J.  Miller,  1888;  S.  Hofferbert,  1889-90-91;  H.  H.  Rein- 
oehl,  1892. 

St.  Peter — (A  part  of  Van  Wert.) 

C.  W.  Schlemmer,  '10-11;  E.  B.  Jones,  '12;  F.  C.  Wachnitz, 
'13;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '14-15. 

Sulphur  Springs — (Added  to  Indianapolis  Mission  in  '71.) 

J.  C.  Schuh,  '69-70. 
Syracuse — 

H.  H.  Reinoehl,  '03-4;  C.  W.  Spangler,  '05-6;  C.  E.  Boyer, 
'07-8;  C.  A.  Wright,  '09-10-11;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '12-3;  C. 
H.  Burgener,  '14-15. 
Spikerville — (See  Wabash  Circuit.) 
Spring  Grove — (See  Danville.) 
Star  City — (See  Common  Center.) 
Tabor— (See  Elberfeld.) 

Terre  Haute — (Taken  up  by  South  Indiana  Conference  in  1881 
by  J.  F.  Young  and  was  served  by  Young,  Stockhowe, 
Braeckly,  Fuchs,  Young,  under  the  South  Indiana  Con- 
ference.   For  several  years  Brazil  was  served  with  it.) 
Wm.  Koenig,  '93;  E.  J.  Nitsche,  '94-5-6-7;  B.  Schuermeier, 
'98-9;  F.  Schweitzer,  '00 ;  W.  L.  Luehring,  '01-2-3;  C.  Harms, 
'04;  E.  C.  Ewald,  '05-6-7-8-9;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  '10-11;  E.  W. 
Praetorius,  '12-13;  C.  E.  Geist,  '14-15. 

92 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

Tippecanoe — (See  Lake  Bruce.) 

H.  E.  Overmeyer,  '84. 
Urbana — (Part  of  Wabash.) 

J.   Wales,   '91;  W.  Wildermuth,   '92;  J.   M.   Dustman,   '93; 

A.  Geist,  '94-5;  J.  E.  Stoops,  '96-7;  F.  E.  Zechiel.  '98;  A. 
Geist,  '99-0-1-2;  F.  Rausch,  '03;  M.  L.  Scheidler,  '04-5-6-7; 

F.  L.  Snyder,  '08-9-0-1 ;  A.  A.  Knepper,  '12-3-4-5. 
Van  Wert— (Taken  from  St.  Mary  Circuit.) 

G.  A.  Heitel,  1863-64;  Chr.  Wesseling,  1865-66;  Ph.  Porr, 
1867-68;  Wm.  Wesseler,  1869-70;  J.  Keiper,  1871-72;  J.  F. 
Bockman,  1873;  J.  Wales,  1874;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1875;  S.  S. 
Albert,  1876;  to  be  supplied,  1877;  S.  S.  Albert,  1878;  B. 
F.  Dill,  1879-80-81;  J.  E.  Smith,  1882-83-84;  S.  S.  Albert, 
1885-86;  H.  Arlen,  J.  H.  Evans,  1887;  F.  Rausch,  1888-89- 
90;  J.  E.  Smith,  1891-92;  Wm.  Ackerman,  1893-94;  D.  D. 
Spangler,  1895-96;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1897-98-99;  D.  B.  Koe- 
nig,  1900-01-02;  Aug.  Geist,  1903;  J.  E.  Stoops,  1904-05- 
06;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  1907-08-09;  F.  J.  Stedcke,  1910-11-12- 
13-14;  B.  Schuermeier,  1915. 

Vandalia  Mission — (Taken  from  Marshall  Circuit.) 

J.  Trometer,  1858-59;  C.  Wesshng,  1860-61;  Geo.  Schmoll, 

1862;  Wm.  Wesseler,  1863;  Wm.  Wesseler,  J.  Beck,  1864; 

M.  Klaiber,  Aug.  Scholz,  1865 ;  M.  Klaiber,  F.  Launer,  1866 ; 

C.  Schamo,  1867-68;  Geo.  Kloepfer,  1869;  F.  Launer,  1870- 

71;   E.   T.   Hochstettler,    1872-73;   C.   Stockhowe,    1874-75. 

(Was  ceded  to  the  South  Indiana  Conf.) 
Vera  Cruz — (See  Linn  Grove.) 
Waupecong — (See  Bunker  Hill.) 
Wabash  City — (See  Miami  Mission,  Fulton.) 

J.  Miller,  1872-73;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1874;  Fr.  Launer,  1875; 

C.  C.  Baumgartner,  1876-77;  J.  K.  Troyer,   1878-79;  Geo. 

Schmoll,    1880;   E.   R.   Troyer,    1881-82;   J.   Berger,    1883; 

Geo.  Schmoll,  1884-85;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1886-87;  J.  Hoffman, 

1888;  Geo.  Roederer,  1889-90-91;  D.  D.  Speicher,  1892-93- 

94;  J.  E.  Smith,  1895-96-97;  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  1898;  A. 

S.    Fisher,    1899-00-01;    J.    H.    Rilling,    1902-03-04;    C.    H. 

Burgener,    1905;   D.   B.    Koenig,    1906-07-08;   F.   S.   Erne, 

1909-10-11-12;  P.  L.   Browns,   1913-14-15. 
Wabash  Circuit — (Spikerville.) 

(Spikerville),  Ira  Dawes,  1908-09-10;  (Wabash  Cir.),  1911; 

B.  G.  Smith,  1912;  J.  M.  Lantz,  1913;  J.  S.  Kroft,  1914; 
J.  W.  Thomas,  1915. 

Wabash,  near  Lafayette — (See  Danville.) 

93 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Wanatah — (See  also  San  Pierre.) 

A.  Iwan,  1885;  J.  C.  Schuh,  1886;  A.  S.  Fisher,  1887-88; 
W.  Wildermuth,  1889;  B.  F.  Snyder,  1890.  Added  to  Me- 
daryville.  D.  E.  Zechiel,  1895;  J.  A.  Tiedt,  1911-12.  In 
1913  united  with  San  Pierre. 

Warsaw — (See  Silver  Lake.) 

D.  J.  Pontius,  76;  J.  M.  Dustman,  77-78. 

Warrenton — (See  Elberfeld.) 

Waterloo — (A  part  of  the  DeKalb  Circuit.) 

R.  Riegel,  E.  Einsel,  73;  B.  F.  Dill,  74;  A.  Geist,  75-6;  G. 
Freehafer,  77-8;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  79-80;  A.  R.  Schafer,  '81- 
2-3;  J.  E.  Stoops,  '84-5;  I.  B.  Fisher,  '86;  W.  H.  Bright- 
mire,  '87;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '88-9-0;  W.  S.  Tracy,  '91;  B.  F. 
Bockman,  '92;  P.  L.  Browns,  '93;  C.  M.  Pierce,  '94-5;  D.  E. 
Zechiel,  '96-7-8;  C.  H.  Burgener,  '99-00;  J.  M.  Smith,  '01; 

B.  F.  Walmer,  '02-3;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '04;  W.  H.  Freshley, 
'05-6;  D.  O.  Wise,  '07;  to  be  supplied,  '08;  G.  F.  Zuber, 
'09;  P.  L.  Browns,  '10-1-2;  A.  Geist,  '13-4-5. 

West  Point — (Now  Bippus.) 

A.  S.  Fisher,  '86;  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  1887-8;  W.  Wilder- 
muth, '90;  P.  L.  Browns,  '99-00;  H.  Schleucher,  '01-02; 
(Bippus) . 

West  Salem — (Taken  from  Mt.  Carmel  Cir.) 

J.  Hoffman,  1868;  C.  Wessling,  1869-70;  Chr.  Heim,  1871-2; 

B.  Uphaus,  1873-4;  C.  F.  Mathias,  1875.  (From  1876  to 
1892  the  appointments  were  made  by  the  South  Ind.  Conf.) 
G.  Winter,  1893;  J.  Bruckert,  1894-5;  H.  Cocker.  1896-7; 
E.  J.  Nitsche,  1898-9;  J.  Mundorf,  1900-01;  I.  H.  Griese- 
mer,  1902-3-4-5;  H.  Cocker,  1906-7;  J.  W.  Feller,  1908-09- 
10;  G.  A.  Stierle,  1911-12-13;  G.  F.  Zuber,  1914;  Rev.  Ker- 
lin,  1915. 

West    Salem    Circuit — (Lancaster    Cir.,    Enterprise.      See    also 
West  Salem.     Supplied  by  the  South  Ind.  Conf.,  which 
also  separated  this  field  from  the  West  Salem  work.) 
(Lancaster),  J.  Mundorf,  '93;  P.  L.  Browns,  '94-5;  B.  E. 
Koenig,  '96;  J.  H.  Rilling,  '97-8;  J.  H.  Schnitz,  '99-00;  C. 
McConnehey,  '01-2-3;  C.  P.  Maas,  '04;  F.  Hartman,  '05;  F. 
Reutepoehler,  '06-7-8-9-10;  R.  Wise,  '11;  G.  F.  Winter,  '12- 
13;  (West  Salem  Cir.),  F.  W.  Launer,  '14-15. 
Whitewater  Circuit — (A  "charter  member"  of  Conference.) 

Peter  Goetz,  1852-53;  Phil.  Bretsch,  1854-55;  Chr.  Glaus, 
1856;  Wm.  Bockman  and  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  1857;  Wm.  Bock- 

94 


FIELDS   OF   LABOR   AND   THE    MINISTERS 

man,  1858;  M.  Mayer,  1859;  Fr.  Wiethaup,  1860;  PhiL 
Bretsch,  1861;  Ed.  Evans,  1862. 

Winchester — (See  also  Greenville  Mission.) 

J.  H.  Stedcke,  '80 ;  F.  Launer,  '81-2 ;  J.  Miller,  '83-4 ;  J.  Mil- 
ler, E.  E.  Meyers,  '85;  G.  Schmoll,  '86-7;  D.  D.  Spangler, 
'88;  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  '89-90;  Geo.  Speicher,  '91-2;  C.  W. 
Spangler,  '93-4;  D.  B.  Koenig,  '95;  P.  L.  Browns,  '96;  M. 
Krueger,  '97. 

WOLCOTTVILLE  CIRCUIT — (A  part  of  DeKalb  Cir.) 

H.  E.  Overmeyer,  '87-8;  J.  E.  Stoops,  '89;  H.  E.  Neff,  '90-1; 
T.  Carrol,  '92-3 ;  S.  Hofferbert,  '94-5-6 ;  H.  H.  Reinoehl,  '97 ;. 
F.  L.  Snyder,  '98-9 ;  W.  H.  Mygrant,  '00-1 ;  J.  W.  Metzner^ 
'02-3-4;  S.  I.  Zechiel,  '05-6;  E,  E.  Greiner,  '07-8;  E.  B. 
Jones,  '09;  D.  A.  Kaley,  '10;  J.  Rees,  '11-2-3-4-5. 

Yellow  River  Circuit — (See  Bremen.) 

Yellow  River  Mission — (See  Bremen  Circuit  and  Nappanee  Cir.) 


Special  Missionaries,  Agents,  Collectors,  Evangelists 

E.  L.  Kiplinger,  Agent  for  N.  W.  C,  '64;  J.  Keiper,  '73. 

D.  S.  Oakes,  Miss,  to  Oregon,  '73. 

J.  Berger,  Miss,  to  Germany,  '73. 

J.  Gomer,  Miss,  to  Galveston,  Texas,  '80  to  '87. 

J.  M.  Hang,  Collector  for  Conf.  Debt,  '01. 

Aug.  Iwan,  Miss,  to  Oregon. 

L.  S.  Fisher,  Miss,  to  Oregon. 

I.  B.  Fisher,  Miss,  to  Oregon. 

L.  Newman,  Evangelist. 


95 


TABLET  OF  OUR  LIVING  MINISTERS— 1915 


Birth 


Place  of   Birth. 


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ITINERANT   ELDERS 


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2,3aunig:artner,    S 


Bo\er,  C.  E 

Breish.  J.   H..  . 

Browns,  P.  L.  . 

Burgener,  C.   H 

Buver,    Jos.    L. 

Carter,   J.   W.  . 

Ehrhardt,    L.    .J 

Evans,    J.    II.. 

Erne,   F.   S 

Feller,  .J.  W  .  .  . 

Feller,    A.    W .  . 

Finkbeiner,    Tin 

Freshley,  W.  H 

Fisher,    L.    S .  . 

Greiner,   E.    E. 

Griesemer,  I.  H 

Geist,    Aug. .  .  . 

Geist,   C.    E .  .  . 

Haist,   A.   B.  .  . 

Hartnian,  C.  H 
2-5i'Hartman,    F... 

•24|neil,   D.   R 

25 1  Held,  J.  H 

26|Harnis,   C 

Hirschman,    C. 

Kaley,  D.  A .  .  . 

Kimmel,   G.   B. 

Knepper,    A.    A 

Koenig,  B.  E .  . 

Kroft,  A.  D.  .. 

Laudeman,   E.   < 

Lantz,  J.  M.  .  . 

Loose,    R.    W.. 

McClure,    F.    F 

Maas,  C.  P 

Metzner,  J.  W. 

Miller,    E.    E.  . 

Hosier,  J.  O.  . 
41|Mimdorf,  J.  .  .  . 
42|M,vgrant,  W.   IT 


■wiiian,     L.  . 

Xitsche.  E.  J. 

Praetorins.    E. 

Rausch,     F  .  .  . 

Rees,    J 

Rilling,  J.  H. 
49|Reutepoehler. 
50|Seheidler,    M. 


Schuermeier,  B 
Smith,  L.  E .  . 
Snyder,  F.  L.  . 
Snyder,  W.  E . 
Spangler,  D.  D 
Spangler,  C.  W 
Speieher,  D.  D 
Stedeke,  F.  J. 
Steele,  Ira  .  .  . 
Stierle,  A.  G.  . 
Siinderman,  M. 
Tiedt,  J.  A... 
Traev.  W.  S.. 
Walmer,  F.  B. 
Weisshaar,  G. 
Wevant,  W.  I. 
Wise,  J.  Js  .  . 
Wise,  D.  O... 
Wright,  C.  A. 
Young,  .1.  E .  . 
Zechiel.  D.  E. 
Zuber.    G.    F .  . 


W. 


May 
Ma"r. 
June 
Feb. 
July 
June 
May 
Sept. 
June 
Dec. 
Feb. 
April 
Jan. 
Feb. 
Oct. 
April 
Sept. 
Oct. 
Nov. 
July 
Aug. 
Dec. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Feb. 
Aug. 
July 
Mar. 
x\pril 
June 
Julv 
Sept. 
Sept. 
Jan. 
July 
Jan. 
Nov. 
Jan. 
Feb. 
May 
Aug. 
Oct. 
May 
Feb. 
Oct. 
April 
June 
Jan. 
April 
Nov. 
Jan. 
April 
Sept. 
Dec. 
Mar. 
Dec. 
Feb. 
Aug. 
Mav 
Dee. 
Jan. 
Mar. 
Oct. 
Feb. 
May 
Mar. 
Oct. 
!  Oct. 
'  Sept. 
[Nov. 
Aug. 
I  Dec 


1885 
ISOO 
1879 
1867 
1863 
1859 
1860 
1845 
1861 
1859 
1876 
1869 
1872 
1870 
1876 
1856 
1863 
1865 
1848 
1878 
1866 
1S6S 
1881 
1862 
1865 
1857 
1881 
1879 
1874 
1879 
1873 
1872 
1869 
1871 
1879 
1870 
1881 
1869 
1865 
1862 
1861 
1850 
1859 
1852 
1882 
1856 
1850 
1862 
1854 
1865 
1870 
1884 
1866 
1872 
1867 
1869 
1855 
1869 
1875 
1874 
1873 
1864 
1852 
1870 
1883 
1876 
1861 
1873 
1875 
1868 
1860 
1871 


Unrichsville,    Oiiio 

Near    Vera    Cruz,    Indiana 

Elkhart,     Indiana 

Utica,  New  York 

Ayerville,    Ohio 

Salem  Church,  Fulton  Co.,  Ind. 

Louisville,    Kentucky 

Elizabeth,    Illinois 
Muehlheim,    Germany 

New  York  City 

Huntingbui-g,     Indiana 

Miami   County,   Indiana 

Miami   County,   Indiana 

Crediton,     Canada 

Rockport,    Indiana 

Evansville,   Indiana 

Ottowa,  Illinois 

Lancaster,    Illinois 

Harlem,   New  York 

Waterloo,    Indiana 

O.xford  County,  Ontario 

Laporte,    Indiana 
Elkhart  County,  Indiana 

Cass  County,   Indiana 
Gibson     County,     Indiana 
West    Salem,    Illinois 
Indianapolis,     Indiana 
Near  Culver,    Indiana 

Dayton,    Ohio 

Near    Bippus,    Indiana 

Waupecong,    Indiana 

Wabash  County,  In<iiana 

Bremen,   Indiana 

Howard  County,  Indiana 

Wauseon,    Ohio 

Wabash,     Indiana 

Rockport,    Indiana 

Bryant,    Indiana 

Marshall   County,    Indiana 

Van  Wert  County,   Ohio 

Marshall,    Illinois 

Shanesville,     Ohio 

Logansport,    Indiana 

Sachsen,    Germany 

Dayton,    Ohio 

Wabash,   Indiana 

Montgomery    County,    Ohio 

West    Bend,    Wisconsin 

Huntingburg,   Indiana 

Wayne  County,    Indiana 

Haubstadt,    Iiuliana 

Defiance,    Ohio 

Whitley    County,    Indiana 

Wayne   County,    Indiana 

Near    Decatur,    Indiana 

Near    Decatur,    Indiana 

Weinsburg,     Ohio 

Celina,     Ohio 

St.   Joseph   County,    Indiana 

Germany 

Huntingburg,     Indiana 

Germany 
Geauga  County,   Ohio 
Bangor,    Michigan 
Wuerttemberg,  Germany 
Weyant,     Pennsylvania 
Euuuettsville,     Indiana 
Ennuettsville,    Indiana 

Winnipeg,    Canada 

Emniettsville,     Indiana 

Culver.    Indiana 

Brvan,     Ohio 


1909 

Indiana 

1911 

1913 

6 

1887 

Indiana 

1889 

1891 

28 

1907 

Indiana 

19(1!) 

I'.M  1 

i; 

1890 

New  York 

is;ii; 

Is'lS 

■Jn 

1893 

New  York 

189.-) 

IMI7 

■J- 

1896 

New  York 

1902 

1904 

16 

1895 

New  York 

1897 

1899 

20 

1876 

F.  M. 

1876 

1878 

36 

3 

1888 

F.  M. 

1893 

1895 

27 

1881 

F.  M. 

1888 

1892 

27 

'7 

1899 

F.  M. 

1902 

1904 

16 

1895 

F.  M. 

1898 

1902 

20 

1902 

W.  M. 

1909 

1913 

7 

2 

1893 

Illinois 

1895 

1897 

10 

1900 

Indiana 

1902 

1904 

15 

1883 

Indiana 

1885 

1887 

29 

'3 

1900 

Indiana 

1902 

1905 

10 

5 

1889 

So.  Indiana 

1893 

1895 

26 

1872 

Indiana 

1874 

1876 

35 

"s 

1904 

Indiana 

1908 

1911 

8 

1894 

Canada 

1897 

1899 

19 

1887 

Kansas 

1890 

1892 

27 

i 

1899 

Mennonite 

1903 

1905 

11 

1 

1904 

Indiana 

1907 

1911 

11 

1889 

M.  E. 

1903 

1912 

5 

1895 

Indiana 

1897 

1900 

17 

5 

1906 

Indiana 

1911 

1913 

5 

1903 

Indiana 

1906 

1909 

12 

1897 

Indiana 

1901 

1903 

14 

1905 

Indiana 

1907 

1909 

10 

1896 

Indiana 

1901 

1903 

19 

1908 

Indiana 

1910 

1913 

6 

"i 

1900 

Indiana 

1903 

1908 

13 

1903 

Indiana 

1905 

1908 

11 

i 

1909 

Illinois 

1913 

1915 

4 

1899 

Indiana 

1903 

1905 

13 

'3 

1902 

Indiana 

1905 

1908 

13 

1891 

Indiana 

1893 

1895 

24 

1905 

Indiana 

1907 

1909 

10 

1895 

Indiana 

1899 

1901 

18 

2 

1884 

So.  Indiana 

1887 

1889 

31 

1883 

Indiana 

1888 

1890 

32 

1893 

Indiana 

1895 

1902 

22 

1881 

Indiana 

1884 

1886 

34 

1904 

Indiana 

1908 

1910 

8 

1884 

Indiana 

1886 

1889 

27 

'4 

1888 

Indiana 

1890 

1892 

27 

1897 

Indiana 

1898 

1901 

IS 

1893 

Indiana 

1004 

1909 

15 

6 

1887 

Indiana 

1889 

1891 

27 

1 

1890 

So.  Indiana 

1894 

1896 

25 

1906 

Indiana 

1908 

1911 

8 

i 

1888 

Indiana 

1890 

1898 

25 

1 

1894 

Indiana 

1896 

1898 

18 

3 

1887 

Indiana 

1890 

1892 

25 

3 

1892 

Indiana 

1894 

1896 

14 

9 

1885 

Indiana 

1887 

1SS9 

30 

1894 

Indiana 

1900 

1911 

10 

ii 

1904 

Indiana 

1910 

1914 

7 

4 

1899 

Indiana 

1907 

1910 

9 

1896 

Indiana 

1901 

1903 

15 

1890 

Indiana 

1892 

1894 

25 

1888 

Indiana 

1894 

1907 

26 

i 

1901 

Indiana 

1903 

1905 

13 

1 

1908 

M.  E. 

1911 

1913 

6 

1 

1902 

Pittsburg 

1904 

1906 

13 

1893 

Indiana 

1896 

1901 

20 

2 

1901 

Indiana 

1907 

1909 

9 

5 

1908 

Indiana 

1910 

1912 

7 

1900 

M.  E. 

1902 

1906 

1S95 

M.  E. 

1897 

1899 

20 

1  896 

M.  E. 

1908 

1910 

8 

ii 

96 


TABLET  OF  OUR  LIVING  MINISTERS— 1915 


Name. 


Birth 


Place   of    Birth. 


> 

ii" 

r/) 

c 

o 

a 

E 

> 

C 

i^ 

— 

<« 

c 

c 

•o 

o 

O 

;*• 

INTINERANT   DEACONS 


1 

Baunigartner,   E.   H. 

Aug. 

12, 

1808 

Linn     Grove,     Inilianu 

1910 

Iniliana 

1912  .  . 

..     5|.. 

0 

Haney.    C.    L 

Nov. 

1, 

1890 

Milford,     Indiana 

1911 

Indiana 

1915  .  . 

..     3 

a 

Herman,    M.    0.  .  .  . 

Nov. 

21, 

1883 

Elkhart,     Indiana 

1910 

huliaiia 

1915  .. 

..     2 

4 

Kistler,  J.   M 

Jan. 

.SO, 

1888 

Koval    Center,    Indiana 

1912 

Indiana 

1914  .  . 

..     3 

5 

Lozier,   Geo.   S 

Mar. 

28, 

1884 

Bremen,     Indiana 

1911 

Indiana 

1914  .. 

..     2 

r. 

Platz.   N.    F 

June 

12, 

1857 

(Jilead,    Miami   Co.,    Indiana 

1895 

Indiana 

1909  .  . 

.  .     9 

11 

7 

Pulhnan,   Geo 

Dec. 

n. 

1887 

Ui'bana,     Indiana 

1910 

Indiana 

1914  .  . 

..     2 

S 

Koederer,    J.    G .  .  .  . 

Julv 

19, 

1890 

AVabash,     Indiana 

1911 

Indiana 

1915  .. 

..     1 

9 

Sehlemmer,   C.   W .  . 

April 

26, 

1878 

Wabash,     Indiana 

1906 

U.    B. 

1912  . . 

..     5 

3 

10  Smith.   B.   G 

Mav 

;^, 

1883 

Denver,     Colorado 

1912 

Indiana 

1912  . . 

..     G 

11  Wacknitz.  F.  C 

Aug. 

22, 

1889 

Medarvville,    Indiana 

1913 

Indiana 

1914  .  . 

..     2 

12  Winter,   G.    F 

April 

10, 

1856 

Oriole,    Indiana 

1889 

So.     Indiana 

1894  .  . 

.  .  26 

PROBATIONERS    IN    ACTIVE    SERVICE 


Arndt,  Jacob  .  .  . 
De  Witt,  Allen.  .. 
Flurkey,    Wm.    H. 

Halev,    E.    D 

Haney,  Phil.  E.  .  . 
Handschu,  Ralph. 
Lanner,  Floyd  W . 
Lozier,  Orvill  0.  . 
J.   W.   Thomas    .  .  . 


Mar.     28,   1888 
Aug.     IS,   1891 


Oct.  18,   1868 

Julv  18,   1884 

June  21,   1886 

April  10,   1882 

April  5,   1891 

Oct.  31,   1874 


Near   San   Pierre,    Indiana 
Tipton  County,   Indiana 


Burbank,     Ohio 

Marshall   County,    Indiana 

Peoria,    Illinois 

Cromwell,    Indiana 

Bremen,     Indiana 

Hamilton    County,    Indiana 


1915 
1915 


1912 
1914 
1915 
1914 
1914 
1915 


Indiana 
Indiana 


Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 


SUPERANNUATES 


Buehler, 

Bockman, 

Kaufman, 

Krueger, 

Luehring, 

Schleueher 


Phil.  . 

J.   H. 

J 

M 

W.  L 
H.  . 


Stoop,    Jos.    E . 
Weisshaar.     H . 


May 
Dec. 
Aug. 
Mar. 
Feb. 
Mar. 
Dec. 
Nov. 


4,   1855 

4,   1847 

13,   1834 

10,   1834 

22,  1850 
15,    1848 

23,  1851 
27,   1848 


Seneca    Coimty,     Ohio 

Huntingburg,     Indiana 

Wuerttemberg,  Germany 

Baden,     Germany 

Haubstadt,   Indiana 

Germany 

Near    Decatur,    Indiana 

Wuerttemberg,  Germany 


1888 
1871 
1863 
1856 
1877 
1871 
1883 
1873 


Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
So.  Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Ger.    C. 


1891 
1873 
1865 
1858 
1880 
1873 
1885 
1875 


1893 

1877 
1867 
1860 
1882 
1875 
1887 
1877 


39113 

37122 
331   " 

2i  ii 

20  22 


SUPERNUMER.\RIES 


Dustman,  J.  M. 
Fisher,  A.  S... 
Hansing,  C.  F. 
Hoffman,    John 

Koch,     Ger 

Pierce,  C.  M.  .  . 
Reinoehl,  H.  H. 
|Roederer,  Geo. 
Hogers,  J.  M.  .. 
Schnitz,  J.  H.. 
Trover,  A.  J .  .  . 
Trover,  E.  R.  .. 
Wildermuth,   W. 


April  9, 

Jan.  2, 

April  16, 

Sept.  20, 

April  12, 

Aug.  15, 

Jan.  12, 

Oct.  23, 

Sept.  11, 

Aug.  27, 

June  20, 

Oct.  7, 


1852 
1855 
1849 
1837 
1842 
1869 
1845 
1850 
1856 
1859 
1831 
1843 
1843 


Huntington  County,   Indiana 

Tuscarawas    County,    Ohio 

Indiaiiaindis.    Indiana 

Hnhiu's    County,     Ohio 

Hiuitingl>urg,     Indiana 

Hagerslown,    Indiana 

Wayne  County,    Ohio 

Baden,    Germany 

Fulton  County,   Indiana 

Huntington  County,   Indiana 

Holmes  County,  Indiana 

Holmes  County,  Indiana 

Fairfield   County,    Ohio 


1874 
1887 
1872 
1858 
1883 
1887 
1890 
1874 
1891 
1884 
1868 
1868 
1869 


Iniliana 
Indiana 
HliiKiis 
Indiana 
So.  Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
li'diana 


1878 
1888 
1873 
l.sOil 
1«S9 
1894 
1892 
1877 
1893 
1887 
1869 
1872 
1872 


1880 
1890 
1875 

1S62 

is96 
1894 
1879 
1895 
1889 
1876 
1874 
1881 


8  21 

181    7 

32]   9 

4120 

'2  45 


LOCAL  ELDERS 


Cramer,  S.  C. 
Jones,  E.  B.  . 
Mills,    W.     S. 


Dec.       8,   1872     Salem,   Decatur  Co.,  Indiana 
ilav     24,   1869|  Union     City,     Indiana 


1896 
1893 


Indiana 
Indiana 


1899119011.. 
191l|l913|.. 
1895|1899|14 


LOCAL  DEACONS 


Buyer,   J.   L..  Jr.  .  . 

Dauner,     F 

Garl,  R.  E 

Kohhneier,   C 

Kroft,  J.  S 

Scheidler,  .\.  \' .  .  . 
Speicher,  P.  S .  .  .  . 
Steininger,  H.  II .  . 
Wiesjahn,  .\.  F.  .  .  . 
Zinimer,    Geo 


Feb.     27,   18S9  Ixiuisville,    Kentucky 

April   11,   1841  Henschelheim,    Bavaria 


Dec.  25,  1834 

Feb.   20,  1867 

June   5,  1840 

1852 

1863 


Dec.  17,  1825 


Venobeck,  Germany 

Kosciusko  County,  Indiana 

Wayne  County,   Indiana 

Holmes  County,  Ohio 

Snvder    County,     Pennsylvania 


.Vlsace.    France 


19111 

1877]So 

1897 

1857 

1906 

1868 

1892 

1893 

1896 

1865 


Indiana 

Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 


1913 
1887 
1911 
1859 
19U 
1874 
1905 
1895 
1891 
1865 


97 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Place   of   Birth. 


c 

o 
o 

u 

a3 

■u 

"" 

TJ 

-c 

c 

c 

a 

CS 

■o 

■a 

Lj 

O 

O 

LOCAL     PROBATIONERS. 


lIBieiiie,  E.  C 
2lBucks,  J.  W 
3  Carey,  W.   H 


Dawes,    I.    C 

Eberhart,  H.  E 

Mayer,    B.    A 

Mever,    H.    L 

Gillnian,    U.    G 

Kininiel,   W.    R .  .  .  . 

Reihle,    W 

Schlotterbach,    C... 
Sehmalzried.   E.  W. 

Snvder.   Earl   F Mar. 

Suit,   D.   D 

Miller.   .7 


June  28,  1807 
Feb.  16,  1845 


Dec.  1,  1891 
Oct.  6,  1887 
Aug.  30,  1890 


Wells    County,    Indiana 
Lebanon  County,    Pennsylvania 


Wabasn  County,  Indiana 

Indianapolis,     Indiana 

Mt.    Carmel,    Illinois 

Huntingburg,     Indiana 

Mishawaka,  Indiana 

Dayton,    Ohio 


Preble  County,   Ohio 
La    Gro,     Indiana 
Decatur,     liidiann 


l!Ml() 
1878 
IMIt 
1908 
1914 
1914 
1914 
1907 
1914 
1894 
1910 
1910 
1910 
1896 


M.    E. 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 

Indiana 


1137 
2|.. 


98 


EXPERIENCES  OF  OUR  PIONEER  PREACHERS'  WIVES 


Experiences  of  our  Pioneer  Preachers'  Wives 

The  heroism  and  endurance  of  the  wives  of  the  pioneer 
preachers  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  in  the  face  of  untold  hard- 
ship, privation  and  loneliness,  demands  our  recognition  and  ap- 
preciation. Gladly  do  we  lay  at  their  feet  these  few  well-earned 
flowers.  A  more  noble  band  of  patient  sufferers  can  scarcely  be 
found  the  world  over,  and  in  no  other  calling  of  life  can  their 
likeness  be  seen.  Modern  affluence,  with  all  its  comfort  and  ease, 
can  hardly  form  any  adequate  conception  of  the  trials  and  heart- 
aches which  it  was  their  lot  to  endure. 

With  husbands  far  away  on  long  and  dangerous  itineraries, 
they  were  left  behind  to  care  for  their  families  as  best  they 
might.  Mother  had  to  take  the  place  of  the  father  as  well  as  that 
of  her  own,  and  upon  her  rested  the  entire  care  of  the  children. 
She  was  very  often  necessitated  to  go  out  and  earn  their  food 
and  clothing;  many  times  facing  empty  flour  bin,  bare  cup- 
board, depleted  pocket-book,  while  her  hungry  brood  was  cling- 
ing about  her,  and  crying  for  food.  For  months  and  months 
such  a  thing  as  meat  and  coftee  were  not  to  be  found  in  the  par- 
sonage. 

When  sickness  came,  bringing  its  burning  fevers  and  great 
sufferings,  there  were  no  doctors  at  hand,  and  those  that  could 
occasionally  be  gotten  were  nothing  more  than  mere  "experi- 
menters." It  rested  upon  mother  to  be  physician,  nurse,  house- 
keeper and  all.  No  wonder  then  that  they  often  collapsed  be- 
neath the  load.  The  lonely  night-vigils  with  her  sick  children 
were  made  hideous  and  gruesome  by  the  howling  of  hungry 
wolves,  the  profanity  and  wild  yellings  of  drunkards  and  the 
prevalence  of  thieves  lurking  in  the  shadows  without.  What 
agonies  were  endured  by  these  faithful  souls,  no  mortal  tongue 
can  tell. 

When  father  did  finally  return  from  his  long  itinerary,  his 
younger  children  did  not  know  him  any  more,  and  treated  him 
as  a  stranger  and  intruder.  Soon  he  had  to  go  onto  his  itinerary 
again.  No  matter  what  the  needs  of  his  home  might  be,  he  must 
push  on,  for  he  is  a  winner  of  souls,  and  the  King's  business  dare 
not  be  delayed.  We  need  not  even  mention  that  many  of  our 
pioneer  preachers'  wives  died  of  sheer  homesickness. 

The  houses  in  which  they  were  compelled  to  live  were  usually 
isolated,   located   ofi"   in   the   woods.      These   were   very   small — a 

99 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

room  or  two — and  a  garret  above.  They  were  so  poorly  con- 
structed that  the  elements  could  beat  their  way  right  in,  and  the 
biting  cold  of  winter  held  high  carnival.  The  bit  of  furniture 
that  was  to  be  had  was  crude  and  uncomfortable.  A  few  rough 
chairs,  a  plain  table,  old-fashioned  rope  beds  with  straw  ticks 
completed  the  number  of  their  belongings.  Such  a  thing  as  a 
rocking-chair,  or  a  lounge  or  a  musical  instrument,  was  unheard 
of  in  a  preacher's  home  of  these  pioneer  days.  Books  and  other 
reading  matter  to  cheer  and  instruct  were  very  scarce,  and  noth- 
ing was  to  be  had  to  help  spend  the  long  wintry  evenings  with 
profit.  Child  literature  was  even  more  rare  and  as  inappropriate 
as  rare.  The  daily  life,  if  it  had  not  been  so  constantly  a  fight 
for  existence,  would  have  been  exceedingly  monotonous  and  a 
humdrum  aff'air. 

Most  of  the  school-houses  and  churches  were  located  far  from 
their  homes,  and  none  of  them  had  any  conveyance  to  bring  them 
there.  Yet  the  preacher's  family  was  supposed  to  be  an  example 
to  the  entire  community  in  godliness,  and  punctual  in  attendance 
upon  all  the  meetings  of  the  church.  The  condition  of  those  early 
days  baffles  all  description.  One  needs  but  consult  the  few  re- 
maining pioneer  ministers'  wives  and  children,  who  still  have  these 
old-time  experiences  loom  up  before  them,  often  to  haunt  them 
as  the  nightmare,  to  get  any  adequate  description.  Is  it  then 
to  be  wondered  at  that  not  many  of  their  sons  and  daughters 
have  entered  the  calling  that  cost  their  parents  so  much  hardship? 
May  the  memory  of  these  saints,  these  heroines,  be  held  in  high- 
est regard  among  us,  and  may  the  few  remaining  pioneers  re- 
ceive every  attention  and  kindness  at  our  hands ! 


100 


TABLET  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS— 1915 


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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


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TABLET  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS— 1915 


•japia    pauiBpjo    uaqAV '^    '=000    •   •« 

1863 

1858 
1839 
1876 
1868 
1865 

1853 
1875 

1856 

1859 
1871 
1861 
1852 

1859 
1859 
1851 

•uooBaa  pauiBpjQ  uaq^v 

1879 

1885 

i850 
1849 

1861 
1854 
1836 
1874 
1865 
1863 

1851 
1873 

1854 

1855 

1857 
1868 
1859 
1850 

1856 
1857 
1849 

■aoiAjag  ui  sjBaji^  IBlox 

•i  y>^i^'   u4  Tj. 

=!«O-fOC<:Q0«0O(NiMKWI-XOO00rHMe-lClC:'M-Oc0:0CC 

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ui  aoiAjas  UI  sjBa_\ 

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■}U00    BUBipUI     UI 

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•aauaaajuoo   qoiq.u  A'g 

Indiana 

Ohio 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
East  Pa. 

Ohio 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Illinois 
Western 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Illinois 

Ohio 
Michigan 
Indiana 
Indiana 
U.    B. 
Indiana 
East  Pa. 
Illinois 

Ohio 
Illinois 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Illinois 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Indiana 
Illinois 

Ohio 
Illinois 
Indiana 

4J 

•pasuaoiq  uaqw 

X   X  X   X  ~    X    X      •   X   x"   X   X   X   X  'y 

X   X   X   ~   X   X  X  X  X   X   X  X  X   X   X  X  X   X   X  X  X 

0 

0 

"3. 

P3 

Marshall,    Illinois. 
Dayton,    Ohio. 
Winnamac,  Ind. 
Plakeslee,     Ohio. 
Mhikeslee,     Ohio. 
Lightsville,     Ohio. 
Smiths.    Elk. 
Klkhart   Co.,    Ind. 
South    Bend,    Ind. 
South    Bend,    Ind. 
K.Germantown,  Ind. 
Klkhart   Co.,    Ind. 
Hicksville,     Ohio. 
Dayton,    Ohio. 

Lafavette,     Ind. 
Dayton,    Ohio. 
Urliaua.      Indiana. 
Mishawaka.      Ind. 
South    Bend,    Ind. 
Fulton    Co..    Ind. 
Cambria,    Pa. 
Cicero.     Indiana. 
Indianapolis.     Ind. 
Hart.    Michigan    . 
Klkhart.    Indiana. 
Michigan. 
Emmetsyille.    Ind. 
Decatur,     Indiana. 
Kendallyille,     Ind. 
Evansville,     Ind. 
Henrietta,     Texas. 
Huntingburg,     Ind. 
Fulton    Co.,    Ind. 
Ligonier.      Indiana. 
Bi^emen.     Indiana. 

z 

Time  and  Place  of  Death. 

Olney,    Illinois. 
Dayton,    Ohio. 
Emporia,    Kansas. 
Kewana,    Indiana. 
Scott,   Ohio. 
Lightsyille,   Ohio. 
Middleport,  Ind. 
Elkhart   Co..   Ind. 
South   Bend,   Ind. 
South    Bend,    Ind. 
E.Germantown,  Ind. 
Decatur,    Indiana. 
Hicksville,   Ohio. 
Dayton,   Ohio. 

Lafayette,    Indiana. 
Dayton,   Ohio. 
Urbana,    Indiana. 
Mishawaka,    Ind. 
Dayton,  Ohio. 
E.Germantown,  Ind. 
Van  Wert,  Ohio. 
Marion   Co.,    Ind. 
Mishawaka.    Ind. 
Hart,    Michigan. 
Elkhart,   Indiana. 
Michigan. 
Emmetsyille.     Ind. 
Decatur,   Ind. 
Kendallyille,    Ind. 
Evansville,     Ind. 
Henrietta,  Texas. 
Huntingburg,     Ind. 
Fulton    Co.,    Ind. 
Ligonier,   Indiana, 
(iarrett,    Indiana. 

0 

■3 
0 

"o 

CJ 

1913 
1881 
1894 
1897 
1907 
1888 
1890 
1884 
1898 
1910 
1869 
1885 
1911 
1908 

'.  00 

1911 
1893 
1908 
1905 
1889 
1874 
1856 
1902 
1895 
1905 
1898 
1901 
1909 
1870 
1894 
1909 
1897 
1897 
1864 
1891 

:j 

Dee.      17 
.lulv        5 
.lau.      27 
.Imie     10 
Aug.     22 
.Ian.      18 
Mav      14 
.lime     10 
•Ian.     22 
Mar.     25 
Dec.      20 
Aiiril    15 
.lime     26 

Aug.        6 
Nov.        3 

.lulv     25 
.lime       2 
.lulv     28 
Sell't.        6 
Mar.     22 
.lime     27 
.lulv       3 
Oct.     16 
Oct.      IS 

Mar.     10 
Mav        6 
Aug.     23 
Feb.      26 
Sept.     12 

Aug.     21 

c  = 

Date  and   Place   of   Birth. 

Sept.     25,   1851,   Chicago,    Illinois. 

1810,   Germany, 
.lime     11,   1845,   Austria. 
Nov.      17,   1844,    Seneca   County.    Ohio. 
Mar.        3.   1880.    Williams  County.  Oliio. 
.lulv        (i.   1808,    Pennsylvania. 
Ajiril    22,   1818,    Mifflin   County.    Pa. 
Oct.      30,   1801,    Lancaster    County,    Pa. 
Dee.      31.    1819,    Germany. 
Dec.      19.   1827,  Germany. 
Sipt.     17,  1797,    Forest,    Virginia. 
Del.        4,   1831,    Lanca.ster  Count\ .  Pa. 
A|iril      5,   1824,    Lebanon,    Pa. 
Dee.        7,   1830,   (Jermany. 

:  a 

.lulv     29,  1842,   Germany. 

Dec.        3,   1870,    Urbana,     Indiana. 

April    12,   1882,    North    Dakota. 

April    27,   1821,    York   County,    Pa. 

Die.      30,   1864,   Snyder  County,   Pa. 

S(  [it.     21,  1797,    Pennsylvania. 

Mar.        3,   1828,    North    Warsaw,     Ind. 

.Ian.      13,   1824,   (Jermanv. 

.lime     12,   1809,    (iermanv. 

.Iiine     18,   1838,    Hohnes  County,   Ohio. 

.\pr.        4,  1835,   Germany. 

.\ug.      4,   1824,    Prussia,    Germany. 

Feb.      13.   1860,    Allen   County,    Indiana. 

Oct.      24,   1844,   Sandusky  County,  O. 

.Mar.        1.   1813,    Hanover,    Germany. 

.lulv      23,  1827,  Kutenhausen,  Germany. 

Dee.      15,   1813,   Germany. 

Dee.      ..,   1820,    Fairfield    County,    0. 

J 

< 

.=0 

5  -g 
"C  c 

Name. 

■>-n 

Platz,    N.    .1.    .. 

Preehtel,    llenrv 
Ifainey,    Kob.     . 
Uainev,    S.    D. 
liiegei,     .lohn     . 
Piegel.    Ueub.     . 
Uohrer,   .los.    .  . 
Koth,     Peter     .  . 
"Huh.    Bern.     ... 
Sdiafer.    A.    H. 
Schafer.    A.    K. 
Schamo,    ('has. 
Sehmoll.     (!co. 

Schweit-/.er,    F. 

Speieher,    (!eo. 

Spencer,  Irvin 
♦Steffey,     M.    W. 

Steininger.   (!.    . 

Stoll.    .lohn     .  .  . 

Stricklcr.     H.     . 

Tramer.    Coiir. 

Trnmeter,     .1.      . 

Troyer.   .1.    K.    . 

Ude,  Christian 
*Uphaus,    Uern. 

\'an   Camp.    .\. 

Wal.s.    (;.    W.    . 

Wesselcr.    Wm. 

Wessling.  Chr. 
'Wicthaiqi,    Fr. 

Wilderimith.    S. 

\V,,lf       l,,l.i,     1.' 

—  S 

103 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Chronological  List  of  the  Deceased  Ministers 

1856— Henry  Strickler. 

1862 — Jacob  Krumeisen. 

1863 — David  Garl,  Adolph  Dassel,  Philip  Schwartz. 

1864— John  F.  Wolf,  Henry  Maier. 

1869— A.  B.  Schafer. 

1870— Geo.  W.  Wales,  J.  M.  Condo. 

1871— Levi  Grim. 

1873— George  A.  Hertel. 

1874— John  Stoll. 

1875— Christian  Glaus. 

1878 — Adam  Hartzler,  John  Kiplinger. 

1879— John  Karstetter. 

1880— E.  E.  Condo,  H.  L.  Fisher. 

1881 — Charles  R.  Koch,  Philip  Porr,  Gerhardt  Franzen, 

1882— Peter  Goetz,  Samuel  K.  Miesse. 

1883 — S.  Heiss,  Samuel  Miesse,  Samuel  Dickover. 

1884 — Joseph  Rohrer,   Fred  Hoffman. 

1885 — Adam  R.  Schafer,  Mathias  Klaiber. 

1886 — Michael  Alspach,  George  Kloepfer,  Jacob  Mode. 

1888— John  Riegel,  Melchior  Mayer. 

1889 — Peter  Burgener,  George  B.  Holdeman,  John  Caufman,  G. 
Steininger. 

1890 — Reuben  Riegel,  Wm.  Bockman. 

1891 — John  M.  Gomer,  Michael  Zimmer,  Jacob  Miller,  John  Ber- 
ger. 

1892— Harry  W.  Fisher. 

1893 — Samuel  B,  Kring,  George  E.  Speicher. 

1894 — Henry  Prechtel,  Samuel  E,  Beverly,  Philemon  Miller,  Tim- 
othy Carroll,  Ernest  Bohlander,  Wm.  Wesseler. 

1895 — H.  E.  Overmeyer,  Carl  F.  W.  Hansing,  Samuel  Kiplinger, 
Jacob  Trometer. 

1896— John  M.  Kronmiller. 

1897 — Fred  Wiethaup,  Wm.  Ackerman,  Michael  Koehl.  Robert 
Rainey,  Joseph  Fisher,  August  Iwan,  Solomon  Wilder- 
muth.    - 

104 


CHRONOLOGICAL   LIST   OF   THE    DECEASED    MINISTERS 

1898— Peter  Roth,  Christian  Ude. 

1901 — Edward  J.  Oliver,  Fred  Launer,  Bernard  Uphaus, 

1902— Carl    Kalwitz,    Henry   E.    Meyers,    Conrad    Tramer,    C.    C. 

Baumgartner. 
1903— S.  S.  Albert. 

1904— George  G.  Platz,  M.  F.  Finkbeiner,  John  M.  Haug. 
1905— George  Frederick,  M.  W.  Steffey,  Jacob  K.  Troyer. 
1906— David  S.  Oakes.  '? 

1907 — Christian  Heim,  Sch.  D.  Rainey,  Charles  McConnehey. 
1908 — Irvin  Spencer,  George  Schmoll. 
1909 — Jacob  Keiper,  Jacob  Huntsinger,  Wm.  Koenig,  Ans.   Van 

Camp,  Chr,  Wessling. 
1910 — Bernard  Ruh,  George  Freehafer,  John  Bruckert. 
1911 — Edwin  C.  Ewald,  Charles  Schamo,  Frederick  G.  Schweitzer, 

Wesley  Pinkerton. 
1913— Wm.  G.  Braeckly,  Nimrod  J.  Platz. 
1914— Eli  T.  Hochstettler,  Joseph  A.  Maier. 
1915 — Henry  Gocker. 
Date  Not  Known — A.  Nicolai,  Fr.  Schuerman. 


105 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


In  Memory  of  Our  Dead 

Rest,  weary  feet,  that  slow  and  halting  trod 

Life's  short,  rough  path ;  rest  till  that  wondrous  day, 

When  ye  upon  the  eternal  hills  of  God 

Shall  run,  with  strong,  firm  step,  your  joyful  way. 

Fold  patient  hands  upon  the  quiet  breast, 
Faithful  ye  toiled  an  humble  place  to  fill ; 

Hereafter  called  to  do  His  high  behest. 

Ye  shall  work  out  your  Maker's  glorious  will. 

Close  dreamy  eyes,  out  from  whose  depths  there  shone. 

Longings  in  this  poor  life  unsatisfied : 
We  shall  behold  the  King  upon  His  throne, 

And  life,  and  joy,  and  beauty  multiplied. 

Peace,  throbbing  heart,  nor  pain,  nor  care,  nor  grief. 
Hopeless  desires,  nor  powerless  zeal,  shall  more 

Trouble  thy  pulses,  pain  shall  find  relief. 

And  hope  fulfilment  on  that  deathless  shore. 

But  where  soft  shadows  lie  and  grasses  wave. 
While  summer  birds  sing  around  thy  lower  bed ; 

Sleep  when  the  snow  falls  gently  on  thy  grave. 
And  winter  winds  sigh  hoarsely  over  thy  head. 

Blessed  the  dead  who,  dying  in  the  Lord, 

Rest  from  their  labors.     That  sweet  rest  be  thine ! 

Rest  in  the  promise  of  His  gracious  Word ; 
Rest  in  the  likeness  of  the  life  divine. 

— Evangelical  Messenger. 


106 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


Brief  Sketches  of  the  Lives  of  the  Deceased 
Members  of  the  Conference 

The  following  are  the  charter  members  of  the  Conference:  S.  Dick- 
over,  Chr.  Glaus,  A.  Nicolai,  F.  Wiethaup,  B.  Uphaus,  J.  Fisher,  P.  Bur- 
gener,  P.  Goetz,  F.  Schuermau,  J.  Keiper,  M.  W.  Steffey,  G.  Frauzeii, 
B.  Euh. 

WM.  ACKERMAN   (1851-1897) 

Brother  Ackeiman  was  born  of  Evangelical  parentage,  March 
21,  1851,  near  Kenclallville,  Indiana.  His  father  was  a  very  use- 
ful member,  and  occupied  many  important  positions  in  our  church. 
William,  his  son,  had  set  out  to  become  a  Doctor  of  Medicine,  but 
having  been  defrauded  of  money  to  the  amount  of  $300  by  the 
physician  that  was  instructing  him,  he  was  compelled  to  abandon 
this  pursuit.  In  1875  he  was  converted  to  God  and,  uniting  with 
the  Evangelical  Association  at  Kendallville,  became  a  devoted 
worker  for  the  Lord.  Ere  long  the  call  of  God  was  heard,  urging 
him  to  greater  service,  and  in  September,  1876,  he  received  license 
from  the  Indiana  Conference  as  preacher  on  probation. 

He  was  sent  with  D.  S.  Oakes  to  the  Mishawaka  Circuit,  and 
it  was  his  good  fortune  to  find  a  home  with  a  family  named  Wahl- 
smith.  Mrs.  Wahlsmith  had  been  a  school-teacher,  and  became  a 
great  blessing  to  him,  since  he  had  only  a  very  limited  education. 
She  carefully  instructed  him  in  grammar,  and,  as  he  often  humor- 
ously said,  "caused  him  to  read  through  the  dictionary  seven  dif- 
ferent times,  in  order  to  enrich  his  language  and  gain  a  larger 
vocabulary."  At  the  close  of  this  year  he  located  for  two  years, 
and  upon  re-entering  the  work  in  '79,  was  sent  to  St.  Mary  and 
Van  Wert  Circuit,  with  B.  F.  Dill  as  colleague.  In  1880  he  served 
Defiance  Circuit,  and  Royal  Center  in  1881.  He  was  quite  suc- 
cessful on  these  fields  in  winning  souls  to  Christ. 

In  the  spring  of  '82  the  Board  of  Missions  appointed  him  as 
missionary  to  Oregon,  and  after  a  brief  service  in  this  capacity 
he  had  to  cease  work  on  account  of  his  health.  The  climate  affected 
his  speech  adversely.  He  then  engaged  in  selling  Bibles  and  books 
as  agent  for  the  American  Bible  Society,  traveling  in  Oregon, 
Washington  and  California.  After  a  three  years'  absence  he  re- 
turned to  South  Bend,  Ind.,  where  he  engaged  in  the  coal  business. 
Later  on  he  ventured  in  the  same  business  with  a  brother  in  Ten- 
nessee, but  meeting  with  financial  failure,  returned  to  Indiana. 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Feeling  impressed  to  re-enter  the  ministry,  he  applied  in  1891 
and  was  appointed  to  Huntington  Mission.  In  1892  he  was  assigned 
to  Pajme  Mission.  Previous  to  the  reading  of  the  appointments 
at  this  session,  he  felt  extra  good,  and  made  his  horse  "Frank"  an 
honorary  member  of  the  Missionary  Society  by  paying  the  re- 
quired sum  for  such  membership.  He  surely  did  appreciate  his 
faithful  horse !  When  the  appointments  were  read,  however,  he 
was  greatly  disappointed  in  not  being  returned  to  Huntington. 
Since  Payne  did  not  appeal  very  much  to  him  (nor  to  anybody 
else)  he  refused  to  go.  The  Bishop  said  quietly  to  him,  "Then 
there  will  be  a  flock  without  a  shepherd,  and  you  will  be  responsible 
for  that  flock  before  God."  He  repented  of  his  action  and  went  to 
the  field,  which  proved  to  be  a  great  blessing  to  him.  During  the 
year  the  health  of  J.  E.  Smith,  pastor  of  Van  Wert,  failed,  and  he 
was  transferred  to  Van  Wert  to  succeed  Brother  Smith.  The  next 
year  he  was  returned  to  Van  Wert,  and  becoming  acquainted  with 
a  Miss  Anna  Murphy,  an  accomplished  school-teacher,  he  married 
her  in  April,  1894.  She  became  a  great  help  to  him  in  his  work. 
In  '95  and  '96  he  was  sent  to  Celina  Circuit,  where  illness  and  death 
overtook  him.  On  March  6th,  1897,  he  took  his  departure,  in  full 
assurance  of  the  faith.  Interment  took  place  in  the  Ackerman 
Cemetery  at  Kendallville,  D.  S.  Oakes  and  J.  H.  Evans  conducting 
the  obsequies. 

As  a  minister,  he  was  full  of  zeal.  He  was  a  devoted  and  suc- 
cessful soul-winner.  As  a  pastor,  he  was  beloved,  unsparing  in 
devotion  and  sympathetic.  His  was  a  social  nature,  blessed  with 
a  jovial  and  entertaining  spirit.  He  was  witty,  congenial  and  pos- 
sessed of  a  good  bit  of  humor.  "Like  Abraham  Lincoln,  he  had  a 
remarkable  fund  of  anecdotes,  suited  to  almost  every  occasion,  al- 
ways prepared  to  give  apt,  spontaneous  and  striking  illustra- 
tions."    In  conventions,  especially,  his  wit  was  helpful. 


SALEM  S.  ALBERT   (1840-1903) 

Brother  Albert  was  born  in  E.  Germantown,  Indiana,  June 
13,  1840,  where  he  also  grew  up  to  manhood  and  acquired  his  pri- 
mary education.  He  took  advanced  studies  at  Dublin,  Ind.,  and  in 
'63  matriculated  at  Plainfield  College.  He  also  learned  the  trade 
of  broom-makmg,  which  he  pursued  for  a  while. 

Concerning  his  conversion  and  consecration  to  the  work  of 
the  Lord,  he  says,  "Before  my  conversion  I  thought  I  would  be  re- 
ligious, and  tried  to  do  the  right,  but  could  not  do  as  I  thought  the 
Bible  required.     The  reason  was  that  I  was  not  pardoned  of  my 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

sins,  and  as  such  a  person  I  was  under  great  condemnation.  In 
'56,  I  firmly  resolved  to  seek  Christ  for  the  forgiveness  of  my  sins, 
and  found  Him  precious  to  my  soul."  Later  on  he  dedicated  him- 
self to  the  Lord,  which  he  expressed  in  the  following  lines : 

"Since  Christ  has  bought  me  with  His  blood, 

I  am,  therefore,  no  more  my  own. 
He  will  wash  me  in  that  crimson  flood, 

His  death  for  all  my  sin  atones. 
As  Christ  has  given  all  for  me, 

To  Him  my  everything  I  give ; 
And  in  His  courts  I'll  ever  be, 

And  to  His  glory  try  to  live, 

"My  time  is  His,  I  shall  improve 
It  to  His  honor,  and  to  my  good. 
Not  one  thing  will  I  hence  remove, 

But  dedicate  it  as  I  should ; 
My  hands  shall  be  in  His  employ. 
And  every  day  work  to  His  praise." 

He  at  once  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association  after  his 
conversion,  and  in  '61  was  elected  as  an  exhorter,  whose  duty  it 
was  to  give  a  short  exposition  of  a  Scripture  passage  and  urge 
people  to  live  accordingly.  This  gave  him  excellent  opportunity  to 
develop  his  talents  in  public  speaking.  In  a  few  years  his  class 
heartily  recommended  him  to  Conference  for  the  work  of  a  min- 
ister. 

HIS  MINISTRY 

He  received  his  license  as  preacher  on  probation,  and  was 
received  into  the  itinerancy,  Sept.,  1865.  Prior  to  this  step  in  his 
life,  he  clerked  in  a  hardware  store  at  Indianapolis.  While  here, 
he  was  convinced  of  his  divine  call.  He  served  as  follows :  1865-6, 
DeKalb;  1866-7,  Fulton;  1867-8,  Huntington;  1868-9,  Defiance; 
1869-71,  Spring  Grove;  1871-2,  Fulton  again;  1872-3,  Twin  Lakes; 
1873-4,  Gilead ;  1874-6,  E.  Germantown ;  1876-8,  St.  Mary's ;  1878- 
9,  Van  Wert;  1879-81,  N.  Paris;  1881-3,  Edgerton ;  1883-5,  Nobles- 
ville;  1885-7,  Van  Wert  again;  1887-8,  Kendallville;  1878-91,  Mish- 
awaka  ;  1891-2,  Bruce  Lake ;  1892-3,  Julietta  ;  1893  he  located.  Sup- 
plied Wabash  1898-9,  six  months;  1902,  South  Side,  Elkhart;  1903, 
Decatur,  until  Dec.  14th,  when  he  died  "in  the  harness,"  as  he  de- 
sired it. 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

The  following  rules  he  adopted  for  himself  when  pastor  at 
Spring  Grove,  near  Danville,  111.,  1869 : 

1.  When  at  all  possible,  arise  at  4  A.  M,  for  prayer,  reading 
of  God's  Word  and  meditation.     The  reading  shall  be  systematic. 

2.  Visit  at  least  one  family  or  person  each  day  for  the  pur- 
pose of  conversing  with  them  regarding  the  salvation  of  their 
souls. 

3.  Never  attempt  preaching  a  text  which  was  not  studied 
upon  the  knees. 

4.  Daily  commit  a  portion  of  God's  Word. 

5.  Each  day  observe  some  hour  for  secret  devotion. 

6.  Study   to   show   thyself  approved   of   God    unto   all   men. 
How  near  he  realized  these  rules  we  are  not  told ;  but  they  are 

worthy  of  general  adoption. 

Brother  Albert  was  a  pious  and  conscientious  servant  of  God, 
affable,  faithful  and  indulgent.  He  was  not  eloquent  or  deep  in  his 
preaching,  rather  practical  and  exhortatory.  He  labored  with  average 
success,  and  was  nobly  supported  by  his  wife,  who  was  a  Miss  M. 
L.  Hudnett,  whom  he  had  married  in  Sept.,  1868.  He  was  the 
father  of  seven  children,  of  which  three  survived  him. 

The  funeral  services  were  held  in  the  Watchtower  Church  at 
Elkhart,  in  charge  of  J.  0.  Mosier.  Aug.  Geist,  a  life-long  friend, 
was  to  preach  the  sermon,  but  failing  to  arrive  in  time,  on  ac- 
count of  a  wreck  on  the  road,  S.  H.  Baumgartner  gave  an  address 
on  his  life  and  work  in  the  Conference.  A  goodly  number  of  the 
'ministers  were  present.  Interment  was  made  at  Elkhart,  Dec, 
1903. 


MICHAEL  ALSPACH    (1812-1886) 

Synopsis:  Born  in  Union  Co.,  Pa.,  Dec.  4,  1812.  Died  in 
North  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  Aug.  21,  1886.  Converted  in  1838.  Li- 
censed to  preach  by  the  Ohio  Conference  in  1855.  Ordained  dea- 
con in  1857,  and  as  elder  in  1859.  Buried  in  the  Lac  Wood  Ceme- 
tery of  Minneapolis.     Survived  by  wife  and  6  children. 

Alspach  served  in  3  Conferences — Ohio,  Indiana  and  Kansas 
— until  age  compelled  him  to  retire.  His  desire  to  save  souls  con- 
tinued to  the  end.  His  last  public  work  was  done  Aug.  8,  '86, 
offering  the  closing  prayer  and  pronouncing  the  benediction  with 
spiritual  vigor  and  unction. 

He  was  received  into  the  Indiana  Conference  from  the  Ohio 
in  '56,  and  moved  on  Elkhart  Circuit  near  Benton,  Ind.,  onto  a 
farm,  7  miles  south-east  of  Goshen.     From  this  place  he  traveled 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

in  Indiana  and  Michigan.  He  served  one  year  in  Ohio  with  Aaron 
Jambert.  In  the  Indiana  Conference  he  served  as  follows:  '56, 
St.  Joseph  Circuit  in  Michigan ;  in  '57,  St.  Joseph  Circuit  and  Cal- 
houn Mission  in  Michigan ;  in  '58,  Elkhart  Circuit,  his  home  field ; 
in  Sept.,  '59,  DeKalb  Mission.  He  also  had  supervision  of  Defiance 
Mission  this  year,  with  Geo.  A.  Hertel  as  colleague.  In  '60  he 
served  St.  Mary's  Circuit  with  B.  Uphaus ;  in  '61,  Berrien  Cir- 
cuit, Mich. ;  in  '62,  Fulton  Circuit,  with  D.  S.  Oakes  as  colleague. 
This  was  a  year  of  great  trials  and  difficulties.  This  circuit  was 
300  miles  in  circumference,  requiring  3  weeks  to  a  round,  preach- 
ing daily. 

Alspach  sufl:'ered  much  from  asthma.  His  oldest  son,  who 
worked  the  farm  up  to  this  time,  was  now  in  the  Civil  War.  The 
sympathizers  with  the  Confederates  were  many.  Religious  life  was 
at  a  low  ebb.  At  one  time  Alspach  was  so  wrought  up  by  an  attack 
on  him  from  an  officer  of  the  church  that  he  forgot  his  evening 
appointment,  and  was  12  miles  past  it  before  he  thought  of  it.  In 
'63  he  was  sent  to  Cicero  Circuit,  which  closed  his  ministry  in  the 
Indiana  Conference,  having  united  with  the  new  Michigan  Con- 
ference, organized  Sept.,  '64. 

This  Conference  sent  him  to  Lima  Circuit,  and  he  continued 
work  several  years,  when  he  moved  his  family  near  Plainfield,  111., 
and  sustained  a  local  relation  with  the  Illinois  Conference  for  4  or 
5  years.  After  this  he  moved  to  Missouri  and  united  with  the 
Kansas  Conference,  in  which  he  traveled  until  old  age  compelled 
him  to  locate.  He  was  a  good  and  pious  man.  It  was  said  of  him, 
"He  was  not  eloquent  in  his  preaching,  but  unostentatious,  ear- 
nest, sincere  and  exhortative.    He  had  some  good  success." 


CHRISTIAN   C.    BAUMGARTNER    (1842-1902) 

Synopsis :  Born  at  Orange,  Dachfelden,  Canton  of  Berne, 
Switzerland,  Feb.  2,  1842 ;  died  at  Elkhart,  Indiana,  Sept.  3,  1902 ; 
buried  at  Elkhart ;  converted  in  the  Old  Baptist  Church,  near  Linn 
Grove,  Ind.,  '68,  under  the  labors  of  J.  Fuchs.  Licensed  to  preach, 
Sept.,  '70;  entered  the  active  work,  Sept.,  '75;  ordained  deacon, 
'76;  elder,  '78;  served  as  Presiding  Elder  8  years;  twice  was 
delegate  to  General  Conference;  3  times  Secretary  (German)  of 
the  Conference ;  taught  public  school  from  his  13th  to  17th  year ; 
court  interpreter  at  Bluffton ;  Doctor  of  Medicine,  '63  to  '75,  '87- 
1902 ;  preached  from  '75  to  '87 ;  married  Barbara  Lehman,  of  Ohio, 
Oct.  8,  '63 ;  father  of  five  children. 

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HIS   BOYHOOD   DAYS   AND   IMMIGRATION    TO   AMERICA 

He  was  the  second  son  of  John  Baumgartner,  a  school  teacher 
and  book-binder.     His  father  carefully  directed  the   inclinations 

of  his  sons,  and  endeavored  to  give 
them  a  good,  Christian,  as  well  as 
a  secular,  education.  To  the  grief 
of  the  family,  the  father  died  when 
the  boys  were  but  9  and  11  years 
old,  Christian  being  the  younger. 
This  caused  them  great  sadness, 
and  when  it  came  to  leaving  the 
blue  Jura  mountains  of  Switzer- 
land and  their  many  friends,  it 
went  doubly  hard. 

Christian  had  a  special  knack 
for  learning,  reading  print  at  the 
early  age  of  four  years.  He  was 
witty  and  humorous,  saying  of 
himself  that  he  had  no  talent  to 
sing  up  to  his  eighth  year.  He  got 
hold  of  a  book  that  had  these 
words  in  it,  "Songs  with  their  own 
melody."  "That  suits  me,"  he 
said.  "I  can  sing  my  own  melo- 
dy to  these  songs,"  and  he  pro- 
ceeded to  do  so  to  the  dismay  of  those  about  him.  Later  on  he 
became  a  good  singer  and  a  vocal  teacher. 

At  the  age  of  six,  he  went  to  school,  his  father  being 
the  teacher,  and  read  French  as  readily  as  a  boy  of  13.  In  '49, 
with  his  parents,  he  came  to  Fluh,  among  the  mountains,  where 
his  poetic  feelings  were  awakened.  Close  to  his  home  there  was 
a  waterfall,  below  which  were  fish.  Trying  to  catch  some  of 
them,  he  fell  in,  and  would  have  drowned,  had  not  his  brother 
called  his  parents  in  time  to  the  rescue.  There  were  many  crabs 
in  the  stream,  and  being  very  fond  of  crab-meat,  he  would  catch 
them,  and  unceremoniously  eat  them  raw!  He  had  a  great  liking 
for  literature,  especially  for  history,  reading,  early  in  life,  Pilgrim's 
Progress,  Stilling's  Works,  Huebner's  Biblical  History,  History  of 
the  Turkish. Wars,  History  of  Switzerland,  and  Natural  History. 

Concerning  their  migration  to  America,  he  writes,  "After  a 
five  days'  stay  at  Havre,  we  boarded  the  ship  'Gentleman  of  Nor- 

112 


CHRISTIAN  C.  BAUMGARTNER 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

folk,'  and  after  42  days,  rocking  on  the  billowy  ocean,  at  eventide, 
we  reached  Manhattan,  near  New  York.  There  were  160  pas- 
sengers on  board,  all  of  which,  but  three,  took  sea-sickness,  I  being 
one  of  the  three  that  escaped  the  ordeal.  When  we  neared  the 
land,  the  lights  of  New  York  and  Brooklyn  cast  their  glimmer 
upon  the  waters.  To  the  right  were  the  palaces  of  Castle  Garden 
and  the  light-house  of  Sandy  Hook ;  to  the  left.  Ft.  Lafayette  with 
her  200  cannon,  threatening  the  deep,  while  the  masts  of  the  thou- 
sands of  ships  in  New  York  harbor  looked  like  a  large  piece  of 
timber  in  winter.  Back  of  all  this  lay  the  green  ocean,  dashing 
high  her  waves,  together  with  numerous  ships  and  pilot-boats  that 
silently  glided  to  and  fro  like  huge  swans." 

He  was  homesick  for  the  fatherland,  with  its  Alpine  scenes, 
fantastic  colors  formed  by  the  morning  and  evening  sun  playing 
upon  the  glaciers;  its  Sunday  mornings  with  ringing  church-bells 
and  re-echoing  mountains,  and,  above  all,  the  friendships  that  were 
left  behind.  A  new  world  lay  before  him,  a  vforld  with  an  unknown 
language  and  strange  customs. 

Landing  the  morning  after  their  arrival,  they  spent  the  day 
on  land,  and,  boarding  the  steamer  "Henry  Hudson,"  at  eventide, 
they  reached  New  Albany,  N.  Y.,  the  next  morning.  They  pro- 
ceeded to  Buffalo  by  rail,  and  from  thence  to  Cleveland  by  boat, 
and  finally  to  Sugar  Creek  Township,  Wayne  County,  Ohio,  where 
they  were  royally  received  by  relatives.  After  a  seven  weeks'  stay 
they  proceeded  to  Berne,  Ind.,  where  her  brother  was  living,  and 
where  they  remained  until  the  marriage  of  the  mother.  Christian's 
mother  and  brother  went  several  miles  every  day  to  work,  leaving 
him  alone.  The  surroundings  were  new  and  uninviting.  Wolves 
prowled  about,  and  all  manner  of  wild  things ;  he  had  no  books  to 
read,  was  weak  in  body,  and  too  young  to  work,  and  altogether  he 
felt  miserable  and  neglected.  A  few  months  later  a  change  came 
to  all  this.  His  mother  married  Rev.  Christian  Baumgartner,  of 
Vera  Cruz,  with  whom  they  had  spent  a  few  days  on  their  way  to 
Berne.  Now  he  could  attend  an  English  school,  and,  making  rapid 
progress,  was  soon  at  the  head  of  his  class. 

In  '55  he  attended  school  at  Bluffton,  Ind.,  being  as  happy  as 
could  be.  His  leisure  hours  were  often  spent  on  the  banks  of  the 
Wabash,  fishing  and  thinking  of  the  time  when  Red  Jacket  and 
Tecumseh  lived  along  this  stream ;  and  of  the  camp-fires  of  the 
Shawnees  and  Delawares  that  lived  under  the  sycamore  trees  smok- 
ing their  pipes,  and  of  their  tomahawks  in  hand  when  they  gave 
the  "war-cries,"  to  the  terror  of  new  settlers.     Here  in  school  he 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

also  made  rapid  progress,  and  soon  ranked  as  one  of  the  best  in 
the  class. 

He  was  now  thirteen  years  old.  It  was  decided  that  he  should 
teach  school.  He  took  the  prescribed  examination,  and  received 
his  license,  and  joyously  returned  home. 

While  teaching,  m„any  amusing  and  sometimes  irritating  things 
occurred.  He  was  a  mere  boy  and  small  for  his  age.  He  had 
grown  scholars,  and  some  of  which  were  very  ignorant, 
ill-mannered,  and  brutish.  He  was  firm,  courageous  and 
determined.  His  motives  were  often  misunderstood,  and  hence 
he  was  slandered  and  persecuted ;  but  he  always  maintained 
h:'s  manliness  and  credit.  Few  experience  so  much  in  so  short  a 
time  as  he,  and  the  tension  of  teaching  almost  wrecked  his  body. 
During  his  teaching  period  he  was  often  called  on  to  act  as  court 
interpreter  in  Bluffton.  He  also  used  his  pen  in  writing  articles 
against  wrong-doing,  and  defending  the  right.  Profanity  in  those 
days  was  awful,  slanders  many,  first-fightings  frequent.  The 
neighborhoods  were  like  volcanoes,  not  knowing  when  they  would 
belch  forth  the  lava  of  profanity,  slander,  and  end  in  gruesome 
deeds.  He  said,  "There  was  at  this  time  and  place  a  religious  war 
in  progress."  All  churches  fighting  each  other,  each  thinking 
themselves  in  the  right.  But  the  work  of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation in  this  community  wrought  a  great  transformation. 

A  STUDENT  OF   MEDICINE 

At  this  time  ague  was  raging  throughout  the  country,  and 
this  gave  him  a  strong  desire  to  study  medicine.  Rev.  Klein,  of 
Tiffin,  Ohio,  had  previously  urged  him  to  enter  the  Reformed  Sem- 
inary, and  study  for  the  ministry.  He,  however,  had  no  such 
inclination,  and  realized  that  it  was  a  great  wrong  to  preach  to 
suit  the  itching  ears  of  the  people.  On  May  27th,  '59,  at  the  age 
of  seventeen,  he  left  home  to  study  medicine,  without  any  guar- 
antee of  having  means  enough  even  to  pay  for  his  tuition.  His  parents 
promised  to  assist  him  as  much  as  their  penury  would  allow,  but 
he  looked  to  God  to  provide  the  ways  and  means  to  fulfil  his  de- 
sire. He  found  a  place  with  Dr.  S.  W.  Bartges,  of  Akron,  Ohio, 
where  he  also  providentially  met  Dr.  Barrick.  Having  finished 
his  course  of  study,  he  began  practicing  in  Wayne  Co.,  among 
his  Swiss  friends.  In  '65,  he  moved  to  Linn  Grove,  Indiana, 
where  he  continued  his  practice  for  ten  years  with  great  success. 

114 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS     . 

HIS    CONVERSION 

It  was  here,  under  the  labors  of  John  Fuchs,  who  was  hold- 
ing- a  revival  in  the  old  Baptist  Church,  near  the  town,  that  he 
was  converted,  in  the  winter  of  1868-9.  Having  attended  some 
services  he  became  serious  about  his  salvation,  but  it  was  hard 
for  him  to  pull  away  from  the  old  Mennonites,  especially  since 
his  step-father  was  one  of  the  leading  preachers  of  that  denom- 
ination at  this  time.  But  his  uncle,  Samuel  Baumgartner,  brother 
of  his  step-father,  called  on  him,  and  prevailed  on  him  to  come 
again  to  the  revival.  The  Doctor  consented,  and  when  they  en- 
tered the  church  it  was  crowded.  Samuel  Baumgartner  went  to 
the  front,  as  usual,  expecting  the  Doctor  to  follow.  Turning 
around,  he  discovered  that  the  Doctor  was  hunting  for  a  rear 
seat.  He  motioned  to  him  to  come  up  in  front,  which  he  did, 
much  against  his  desire.  Brother  Fuchs  preached  an  unctuous 
sermon  that  gripped  the  Doctor's  heart.  When  the  invitation 
was  given,  the  Doctor  knelt  and  began  to  wrestle  for  salvation. 
Like  others,  he  discovered  that  he  had  had  only  a  form  of  godli- 
ness, and  not  the  power.  He  was  gloriously  converted,  and  be- 
came very  active  in  the  Evangelical  Association,  of  which  he  now 
became  a  member. 

HIS  CALL  TO  PREACH   AND   MINISTRY 

He  continued  his  profession,  but  soon  felt  that  God  had  a 
higher  calling  for  him.  His  class  in  Linn  Grove  recommended 
him  to  Conference  for  license  to  preach,  which  was  granted  at  the 
Conference  session,  held  at  Indianapolis,  in  Sept.,  1870.  He  now 
served  in  the  local  relation,  together  with  his  medical  profession, 
until  the  fall  of  1875,  when  he  took  the  place  of  Rev.  Maurer  at 
Wabash,  Ind.,  who  had  resigned  on  account  of  physical  ailment. 
The  Lord  sealed  his  ministry  by  giving  him  many  souls  for  his 
hire,  especially  near  Urbana,  Ind.  (Speicher  Settlement),  where 
he  had  a  great  revival  and  organized  the  Urbana  society  of  the 
Evangelical  Association.  In  '78  he  was  sent  to  Elkhart,  Division 
St.  Church,  and  labored  with  good  results.  In  '79  he  was  elected 
Presiding  Elder  and  stationed  on  Indianapolis  District,  serving 
it  4  years.  In  '83  he  w^as  re-elected  and  stationed  on  Elkhart  Dis- 
trict. The  latter  part  of  this  term  he  was  afflicted  with  an  in- 
jured knee,  which  confined  him  to  his  bed  for  three  months  and 
left  him  a  cripple.  Had  he  listened  to  the  attending  physicians, 
his  lower  right  limb  would  have  been  amputated.  However,  his  judg- 
ment prevailed,  and  hence  he  was  left  in  a  better  condition.  On 
account  of  this  misfortune  he  located  in  April,   1887,  and  again 

115 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

resumed  the  medical  profession  in  Elkhart,  Ind.,  where  he  con- 
tinued to  the  end  of  his  life.  This  affliction  robbed  him  consid- 
erably of  his  former  energy  and  ambition,  and  he  lost  interest  in 
his  profession  to  some  extent. 

His  preaching-  was  unique.  His  Scriptural  insight  was  clear 
and  comprehensive ;  descriptive  power  strong  and  lucid ;  delivery 
easy,  earnest,  often  with  deep  emotion,  and  somewhat  in  a  mono- 
tone. He  was  as  free  in  the  English  as  in  German.  In  general, 
he  was  a  well-read  man  in  the  sciences,  histories,  biographies, 
and  literature.  He  was  also  an  occasional  contributor  to  the  church 
papers,  always  using  good  diction.  He  was  highly  esteemed  by 
the  brethren  in  the  ministry.  His  medical  knowledge  gave  him 
ready  access  to  many  homes  while  in  the  ministry.  His  pastor, 
M.  W.  Sunderman,  had  charge  of  the  funeral  services,  while  Rev. 
C.  F.  Hansing  preached  the  sermon.  Quite  a  number  of  ministers 
were  present  to  show  their  last  respects. 


JOHN   BERGER    (1841-1891) 

Synopsis :  Born,  Marshall  Co.,  Ind.,  near  Bremen,  Aug.  17, 
'41.  Died,  Oakland,  California,  Dec.  12,  '91,  where  he  is  buried. 
Converted,  Aug.  26,  '59.  United  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. Enlisted  as  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  War.  Licensed  by  the 
Indiana  Conference,  '63.  Ordained  as  deacon,  '66 ;  elder,  '68 ; 
missionary  to  Germany,  '74 ;  Presiding  Elder  in  Germany  3  years, 
in  the  Indiana  Conference  3^4  years,  and  3  years  as  special  col- 
lector for  missions  to  Germany.  Delegate  to  General  Conference 
from  Germany.  Married  to  Susannah  von  Allmen,  of  Olney,  111., 
Dec.  9,  '66,  father  of  9  children.  Secretary  of  the  Conference, 
'71-3. 

His  parents,  natives  of  Rhenish  Bavaria,  Germany,  Michael 
and  Fredericka  Berger,  were  honest  and  industrious  farmers. 
They  were  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  locating  at  Bremen, 
Indiana,  where  John  grew  to  manhood.  John  endured  all  the 
hardships  of  a  pioneer's  family,  being  well  acquainted  with  hard 
work  and  meager  school  privileges.  By  hard  study  he,  neverthe- 
less, obtained  a  fair  education,  enabling  him  to  teach  school.  He 
was  the  youngest  of  the  family. 

HIS   CONVERSION 

In  '47,  when  he  was  six  years  of  age,  pioneer  preachers  of 
the  Evangelical  Association  preached  around  Bremen.     This  year 

116 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


his  parents  were  soundly  convert- 
ed to  God  and  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association,  and  this, 
John  said,  brought  a  great  change 
in  the  family  life  that  made  a  great 
impression  upon  his  young  heart. 
Early,  the  Spirit  of  God  strove 
mightily  with  John,  but  he  delayed 
making  a  definite  decision  for  the 
Christian  life  until  he  was  18  years 
of  age.  About  this  time  he  became 
very  ill,  and  he  faithfully  promised 
the  Lord  that  if  He  would  spare  his 
life  he  would  serve  Him.  He  be- 
gan to  pray  for  pardon  of  sin,  and 
renewal  of  heart,  so  that  he  might 
live  a  consecrated  life  to  God.  After 
his  recovery  he  did  not  forget  his 
vows,   and,   praising   God   for  the 

great  deliverance,  began  to  serve  Him  in  earnest.     On 
'59,  he  was  "born  again  to  a  living  hope  unto  eternal  life.' 

HIS  CALL  TO  THE  MINISTRY 


JOHN  BERGER 


Aug.  26, 


Soon  after  his  conversion,  there  was  awakened  within  him  a 
strong  desire  to  preach  the  Gospel,  but  being  of  a  modest  and  timid 
nature,  he  found  it  difficult  to  yield.  He  began  stifling  his  convic- 
tions, and  the  small  voice  was  no  more  heard  until  a  terrific  storm 
arose,  flashing  lightnings  all  about  him.  A  bolt  of  lightning  just 
missed  hitting  him  by  so  much  as  a  hair's  breadth.  Again  the 
voice  of  God  was  heard,  and  he  was  now  led  to  take  up  the  work 
of  the  Gospel  ministry. 

Just  at  this  time  the  Civil  War  broke  out,  and  he  volunteered 
his  services,  entering  Company  K,  29th  Indiana  Volunteers.  After 
passing  through  the  great  battle  of  Shiloh,  he  took  sick  and  was 
honorably  discharged  from  army  life. 

After  his  return  from  the  army,  he  regained  his  health,  and 
urged  by  the  brethren,  entered  the  ministry.  He  was  licensed 
by  the  Indiana  Conference,  and  was  assigned  to  Ionia  Mission,  now 
of  the  Michigan  Conference,  with  J.  Trometer  as  preacher-in- 
charge.  He  served  very  successfully  the  following  fields :  Ionia, 
'63  ;  Defiance,  '64 ;  Olney,  '65 ;  Mt.  Carmel,  '66-67  ;  Shelby,  '68-69  ; 
South  Bend,  1st,  '70-72.  In  '74,  the  Board  of  Missions,  appreciat- 
ing his  ability,  appointed  him  as  missionary  to  Europe.    He  moved 

117 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

to  Germany,  and  was  appointed  to  the  "Prussian  Mission."  He 
located  in  Essen,  with  his  family,  and  began  his  work  in  said 
city  and  surrounding  country.  The  Lord  abundantly  blessed  his 
labors  with  many  conversions,  and  a  prosperous  society  was  or- 
ganized as  a  result.  He  was  our  first  missionary  to  Northern  Ger- 
many, where  he  served  for  two  years  as  missionary,  and  three 
years  as  Presiding  Elder  of  Muelheim  District.  He  was  also  in 
vital  connection  with  the  Reutlingen  Seminary.  While  here,  he 
was  compelled  to  post  his  topics  with  a  certain  authority,  and  ob- 
tain his  permission,  before  he  was  allowed  to  preach  the  sermon. 
At  one  time  he  v^'as  detained  by  a  policeman  and  had  to  prove  that 
he  was  not  a  spy.  He  found,  with  others,  that  a  missionary  in 
Germany  had  a  hard  time  finding  recognition,  and  that  the  doors 
of  opportunity  can  only  be  entered  with  much  persecution  and  per- 
sistency. 

In  the  spring  of  '79,  he  again  returned  to  America,  re-entering 
the  Indiana  Conference,  and  was  assigned  to  South  Bend,  1st 
Church.  The  next  three  years  he  served  as  a  special  collector  for 
the  work  in  Germany,  under  the  appointment  of  the  Parent  Mis- 
sionary Society.  He  proved  to  be  efficient,  and  his  work  was 
crowned  with  eminent  success.  In  '83  he  was  appointed  to  Wa- 
bash ;  1884  found  him  elected  as  Presiding  Elder,  in  which  office 
he  served  314  years,  finding  it  necessary,  on  account  of  his  health, 
to  locate  after  this  time.  In  '88,  he  moved  to  California,  in  an  at- 
tempt to  regain  his  health,  which  was  sufficiently  restored  so  that 
he  could  enter  the  California  Conference,  being  assigned  to  Los 
Angeles.  In  '91,  he  was  stationed  at  Oakland,  where  he  served  with 
success  until  his  decease. 

While  still  on  the  district,  he  met  with  a  rather  serious  acci- 
dent on  the  La  Gro  road  leading  into  Wabash.  His  horse  became 
frightened  at  an  approaching  train,  and,  running  away,  threw  him 
out  of  the  buggy,  breaking  his  leg. 

He  thoroughly  understood  the  plan  of  salvation,  and  could  pre- 
sent the  same  effectually,  and  he  led  many  souls  to  Christ.  He  was 
recognized  as  an  eff'ective  pulpiteer;  his  sermons  were  lucid,  deep 
and  logical,  both  doctrinal  and  practical,  instructive  and  edifying. 
He  w^as  a  peer  among  preachers,  fearless  in  attacking  sin,  positive 
in  his  convictions,  but  considerate  of  other  men's  views.  He  was 
congenial,  a  splendid  pastor,  and  a  great  soul-winner.  His  motto 
was,  "To  lead  souls  to  Christ,"  and  "to  labor  for  the  Master."  The 
church  had  in  him  a  useful  servant,  a  wise  counsellor,  and  a  sincere 
worker.  He  was  highly  esteemed  by  the  brethren.  He  greatly 
deplored  the  division  of  the  church,  and  took  a  neutral  standpoint, 

118 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

which  also  defeated  him  as  a  delegate  to  General  Conference  in  '87. 
He  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  our  church  papers.  The  funeral 
services  were  held  in  a  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  Oakland, 
Cal.,  by  Rev.  H.  Cordes,  and  others  assisting. 


SAMUEL  E.  BEVERLY  (1859-1894) 

Brother  Beverly  was  born  in  Huntington  County,  Pa.,  Feb. 
11,  1859.  When  but  a  child  his  parents  moved  to  Huntington  Co., 
Tnd.,  and  at  the  age  of  12  he  went  to  live  with  Samuel  McCaughey, 
where  he  remained  until  his  marriage  to  Miss  Clara  Schock,  Nov. 
1,  1882.  He  farmed  until  '91,  then  moved  into  Huntington,  and 
clerked  in  a  hardware  store  for  a  year  and  a  half.  His  parents 
were  members  of  the  Evangelical  Association  and  reared  him  un- 
der this  beneficent  influence.  Under  the  ministry  of  Geo.  Roe- 
derer  he  was  led  to  accept  Christ  and  also  to  unite  with  our  church. 

He  heard  the  call  to  the  ministry  soon  after  his  conversion, 
but  being  of  limited  education  he  felt  disqualified  for  so  import- 
ant a  work,  and,  therefore,  hesitated.  Finally  he  yielded  to  the 
call,  which  grew  stronger  from  time  to  time,  and  received  his  rec- 
ommendation from  the  Huntington  society,  and  was  duly  licensed 
as  preacher  on  probation,  April,  '92.  April,  '93,  he  was  assigned 
to  his  first  charge,  N.  Webster  Mission,  upon  which  he  entered  with 
courage  and  determination.  Being  social  and  conscientious,  he 
soon  won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  parishioners. 

On  a  hot  Sunday  night  in  July  he  was  obliged  to  sleep  in  a 
very  warm,  unaired  room,  and  in  order  to  be  more  comfortable, 
he  opened  a  window  and  retired.  During  the  night  he  took  a  fatal 
cold,  and  six  months  later,  Feb.,  1894,  he  passed  beyond.  He  was 
conscious  to  the  end,  and  his  going  out  was  gloriously  triumphant. 
During  his  illness  he  exhorted  his  visiting  friends  to  live  right.  It 
was  said  that  his  sermons  were  Scriptural  and  spiritual,  and  de- 
livered with  great  earnestness.  They  were  clear,  impressive  and 
arousing.  The  funeral  was  held  in  the  Evangelical  Church  at 
Huntington,  Ind.,  by  D.  Martz,  P.  E.,  assisted  by  J.  W.  Metzner. 
The  city  pastors  served  as  pall-bearers.  He  was  survived  by  his 
wife  and  2  sons.  His  body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Huntington 
Cemetery. 


WILLIAM  BOOKMAN  (1814-1890) 

Born  at  Schauden,  Hanover,  Germany,  Jan.  17,  1814,  of  Roman 
Catholic  parents,  who  scrupulously  reared  him  in  that  faith.     In 

119 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

'39  he  immigiated  to  America  and  came  first  to  Cincinnati,  0.,  and 
after  a  few  years  moved  to  Huntingburg,  Ind.  Soon  after  his  ar- 
rival at  Huntingburg,  he  came  under  the  influence  of  the  pioneer 
preachers  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and  by  their  earnest 
preaching  was  led  into  the  true  light,  then  "to  repentance  toward 
God,  and  faith  through  our  Lord,  Jesus  Christ."  One  day,  while 
he  was  passing  a  book-store  in  Cincinnati,  he  saw,  for  the  first 
time,  a  German  Bible.  Being  desirous  of  knowing  what  it  con- 
tained, he  went  in  and  opened  it,  and  read  the  words,  "Translated 
by  Dr.  M.  Luther."  He  at  once  closed  the  book,  saying,  "No  good 
thing  can  come  from  Luther."  He  was  intended  for  the  Roman 
Catholic  priesthood,  and,  therefore,  had  no  confidence  in  a  Bible 
translated  by  Luther.  His  early  training  made  it  very  difficult  for 
him  to  understand  the  true  Word  of  God,  but  the  Holy  Spirit,  who 
helps  the  sincere  and  humble  to  the  way  of  eternal  life,  also  helped 
Bockman.  On  Easter  Monday,  March  26,  1852,  he  knew  the  Lord 
— precious  to  his  soul. 

HIS   CALL   TO    PREACH 

After  his  conversion  he  esteemed  the  Bible  the  most  wonder- 
ful treasure,  and  faithfully  searched  it  daily.  He  soon  perceived 
the  divine  call  to  preach  the  Gospel,  which  the  class  in  Hunting- 
burg also  recognized,  and  gladly  recommended  him  and  licensed 
him  to  preach,  Aug.,  '52. 

HIS  MINISTRY 

July  19,  '53,  he  became  assistant  pastor  to  B.  Uphaus,  on 
Dubois  Circuit,  which  embraced  all  the  counties  in  South-western 
Indiana,  and  over  into  Illinois.  In  '54  he  served  on  this  same 
field  with  Jacob  Keiper.  In  '55  he  was  assigned  to  Mt.  Carmel 
Circuit  in  Illinois.  In  '56  he  was  sent  to  Marshall  Circuit.  In 
'57-8  he  served  Whitewater  Circuit  with  E.  L.  Kiplinger.  In  '59 
to  Clay  County  Mission  (now  Brazil).  In  '60-2  he  served  Warren- 
ton  Circuit  (now  Elberfeld).  In  '62  South  Bend  Circuit,  with 
.S.  S.  Condo  as  helper.  In  '63  he  had  DeKalb  Circuit.  C.  Schamo 
was  his  colleague.  In  '64  he  located,  owing  to  family  circum- 
stances, but  in  '62  he  again  entered  the  active  work,  and  had  Elk- 
hart Circuit  assigned  him.  In  '67  he  was  sent  to  Montgomery  Cir- 
cuit (now  Phillipsburg) .  This  ended  his  work  in  active  minis- 
try. Being  very  corpulent,  traveling  became  very  burdensome, 
and  he  located  in  N.  Webster,  Ind.  Later  in  life  he  became  almost 
helpless,  needing  the  care  of  his  children.  His  sons,  John  and 
family,  especially,  cared  for  him  until  his  end,  which  came  Aug. 

120 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

2,  1890.  He  possessed  a  strong  personality,  was  very  sociable  and 
winning,  which  gave  him  a  good  hold  on  the  people  he  served. 

As  a  preacher  he  was  able  and  efficient,  logical  and  practical, 
rather  than  theological.  He  was  forcible,  at  times  eloquent,  al- 
ways attracting  attentive  congregations.  He  had  a  strong,  musi- 
cal voice,  which  would  ring  out  in  clarion  tones  in  preaching  and  in 
singing.  The  people  were  glad  to  hear  him,  and  never  heard  him 
in  vain.  He  often  led  his  hearers  like  the  current  of  a  river  along 
with  him,  while  tears  streamed  down  over  their  faces,  and  the 
congregation  was  moved  to  wonderful  shouts  of  praises.  Brother 
Bockman  once  said  that  "tobacco  was  to  him  the  eye  which  he  must 
pluck  out,"  and  so  he  plucked  it  out  and  cast  is  from  him  forever. 
He  practiced  as  he  preached,  and  had  many  souls  for  his  hire. 

M.  Krueger  officiated  at  his  funeral,  choosing  as  his  text, 
"Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant."  He  was  survived  by 
his  son  John  and  2  daughters.  He  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  cemetery 
of  N.  Webster. 


EARNEST  BOHLANDER  (1850-1894) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  at  Schlitz,  Hessen-Daim- 
stadt,  Germany,  June  4th,  1850.  His  father  was  a  forester,  labor- 
ing for  the  Count  of  Schlitz,  and  died  when  Earnest  was  but  11 
years  old.  The  Count  took  an  interest  in  Earnest,  and  sent  him 
to  school.  When  yet  in  his  teens,  he  came  to  America.  He  had 
no  relatives  or  acquaintances  here,  and  settled  at  Wolf  Creek,  near 
Dayton,  Ohio.  He  was  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  which  he  pursued 
upon  his  arrival.  He  began  attending  services  in  the  Evangeli- 
cal Church,  and  in  a  revival,  conducted  by  J.  K.  Troyer,  pastor 
of  the  Montgomery  Circuit,  was  deeply  convicted  of  his  sins  and 
led  to  repentance.  He  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. 

It  was  not  long  until  he  became  conscious  of  a  call  of  the 
Lord  unto  the  work  of  the  ministry.  The  Wolf  Creek  class  recom- 
mended him,  and  the  Annual  Conference,  held  in  '73,  licensed  him 
as  preacher  on  probation.  With  Wesseling,  he  was  stationed  to 
Carmi  Circuit.  In  '74,  he  served  Greenville  Circuit,  under  E.  R. 
Troyer.  In  '75,  he  retired  from  active  work.  In  '76  he  became 
a  charter  member  of  the  South  Indiana  Conference,  and  was  as- 
signed to  Murphysboro,  serving  it  two  years.  In  '78,  he  was  sent 
to  Shelby;  in  '79-82,  to  Tabor;  '82-84,  to  Rockport;  '84-85,  to  Ev- 
ansville;  '85-88,  to  Grayville;  '88-89,  to  Olney;  '89-93,  no  record; 

121 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

'93,  sent  by  the  Indiana  Conference  to  Medaryville,  which  con- 
cluded his  ministry. 

As  a  preacher,  it  was  said  of  him,  that  he  "was  systematic. 
Scriptural  and  unctuous,  gifted  in  speech,  and  possessing  the 
knack  of  fascinating  an  audience.  That  he  frequently  became  elo- 
quent, and  achieved  success  for  the  church.  He  had  his  weak- 
nesses as  other  men.  For  several  years  he  suffered  from  chronic 
ailments  which  baffled  the  skill  of  the  physicians. 

His  death,  which  occurred  in  Sept.,  1894,  was  tragic.  "He  under- 
took, in  the  night,  to  remove  his  shot-gun,  which  he  had  used  during 
the  day,  fearing  that  his  children  might  get  into  trouble  with  it,  and 
in  so  doing  the  gun,  in  some  way,  was  discharged,  tearing  away 
the  half  of  his  head.     Eternity  alone  will  reveal  how  it  happened." 

The  brethren  H.  Weisshaar  and  C.  Kalwitz  preached  at  his 
funeral,  and  C.  F.  Hansing  assisted.  His  body  was  interred  at 
San  Pierre,  and  later  removed  to  Carmi,  111.,  where  his  widow,  a 
Katherin  Zeigler,  had  located. 


WILLIAM  G.  BRAECKLY  (1849-1913) 

This  genial  brother  was  born  at  Phedelbech,  Wurttemberg, 
Germany,  Sept.  22,  1849.  His  parents,  Gottlob  and  Margaretha, 
were  highly  esteemed  citizens,  frugal,  industrious,  upright  and  re- 
I'gious.  It  was  their  earnest  desire  to  give  their  children  the 
proper  training  for  a  useful  life.  William  was  the  youngest  of 
10  children. 

KIS   EDUCATION    AND   CONVERSION 

He  was  especially  endowed  with  gifts,  which,  if  properly  di- 
:ccted  and  invested,  would  make  him  a  very  useful  man.  His 
teacher  and  pastor  soon  observed  this  and  appealed  to  his  parents 
ti  direct  him  to  choose  some  educational  calling.  He  availed  him- 
self of  all  the  educational  opportunities  that  offered  themselves  to 
him,  both  by  the  school  and  the  church.  At  14  years  of  age  he 
completed  his  catechetical  course,  was  confirmed  and  became  a 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  desired  to  continue  his  stud- 
ies, but  his  father  induced  him  to  assist  him  in  his  work.  In  '67 
his  brother-in-law,  Valentine  Schaaf,  of  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  visited 
the  fatherland,  which  William  always  considered  to  have  been 
providential,  and  he  concluded  to  leave  his  home  and  go  with 
Mr.  Schaaf  to  America.  On  March  10,  '67,  they  safely  arrived  at 
Indianapolis,  Ind.  Here,  by  the  influence  of  his  sister,  he  was 
brought  under  the  preaching  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and 

122 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


/- 


WM.  G.  BRAECKLY 


through   the  labors  of  John   Fuchs  awoke  to  his  real   condition. 
Later,  under  the  ministry  of  Fr.  Wiethaup,  he  was,  as  he  loved  to 
put    it,    "born    again    deep    into 
eternal   life."     At   once   he   be- 
came an  active  member  of  the  -      % 
1st  Church  and  took  a  deep  in- 
terest in  Sunday-school,  prayer- 
meetings    and    all    other    public 
services.    He  soon  gave  evidence 
of   possessing   gifts    for    public 
work,  and  that  the  divine  call 
to  preach  was  upon  him.  Though 
very   limited   in   means,   he   de- 
cided   to    enter    North-Western 
College,  in  order  to  better  pre- 
pare for  the  work  of  the  holy 
ministry.      Upon    hearing   this, 
his  relatives  and  friends  in  In- 
dianapolis    cheerfully     assisted 
him  with  means.     He  completed 
the  German  Course  with  credit, 
besides   pursuing   other    select    studies.      His    school-life   was   not 
without  its  hardships,  as  he  oftentimes  related.     Great  economy 
had  to  be  exercised  and  luxuries  denied.     Meals  were  of  the  sim- 
plest kind,  and  for  a  time  were  prepared  by  himself  and  his  room- 
mate.    He  had  the  spirit  of  industry,  frugality  and  honesty,  and 
was  possessed  of  a  great  ambition  for  soul-saving. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  Sept.,  '71,  by  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence, and  was  assigned  to  Rockport.  Here  he  remained  for  2 
years,  serving  it  with  blessing  and  profit.  He  served  the  follow- 
ing fields:  73-74,  Elkhart,  Division  St.;  '75-77,  Olney;  '78-80, 
Louisville,  Zion;  '81-83,  Evansville;  '84-85,  Olney;  '86-88,  Terre 
Haute;  '89-90,  Marshall;  '91-92,  Evansville;  '93-96,  South  Bend, 
1st;  '97-98,  Indianapolis,  1st;  '99-02,  Bremen;  '03-05,  Huntingburg; 
'06-10,  Louisville,  Zion;  '11-13,  Huntingburg.  In  all  he  gave  42 
years  of  uninterrupted  service  to  the  ministry  in  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference, including  the  time  spent  in  the  South  Indiana  Conference. 

When  this  South  Indiana  Conference  was  formed  he  became 
one  of  its  charter  members,  remaining  with  her  through  all  her 
turmoils,  until  the  reincorporation  with  the  Indiana  Conference  in 
'93.  He  served  this  Conference  as  its  secretary  from  '76-86,  and 
in  '88.  In  '87  a  church-building  society  was  formed  in  that  Con- 
ference,  of   which   he   became   president.      Twice   he   represented 

123 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

that  Conference  as  trustee  to  North-Western  College  and  Union 
Biblical  Institute.  In  '81,  he  was  one  of  four  elected  to  gather 
material  for  the  second  volume  of  our  Evangelical  Association 
History.  He  built  three  churches  and  three  parsonages  during 
his  pastorate  at  Olney,  Bremen,  and  Huntingburg. 

AN   APPRECIATION 

Brother  Braeckly  was  blessed  with  a  strong,  symmetrical 
physique,  a  good  bearing  that  gave  him  a  commanding  appearance, 
and  proved  to  be  a  great  asset  in  his  work.  He  possessed  a  power- 
ful sonorous  voice,  which  he  ably  used  in  song  as  well  as  in  pro- 
claiming the  truth.  He  had  a  cordial  disposition,  a  strong  person- 
ality, was  congenial,  a  good  conversationalist,  and  blessed  with  a 
good  store  of  mother-wit  and  humor. 

He  was  a  lover  of  good  music,  both  instrumental  and  vocal. 
He  was  an  enthusiastic  singer  himself,  and  could  inspire  his  peo- 
ple with  that  same  enthusiasm.  He  readily  translated  songs  that 
he  fancied  into  either  the  German  or  English  language.  He  was 
the  owner  of  a  very  fine  violin,  of  rare  make,  which  he  refused  to 
sell  on  account  of  its  rarity,  and,  which  he  claimed,  was  converted 
with  him.  He  would  frequently  use  it  in  divine  service.  He  was 
somewhat  of  a  poet,  and  at  times  indulged  in  it.  In  his  younger 
days  he  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  Botschaftcr  under  the 
assumed  name  of  "Indianicus." 

As  a  preacher,  he  was  mostly  practical  and  exhortative,  always 
•earnest  and  effective.  He  preached  a  full  salvation.  In  his  work 
he  was  always  enthusiastic,  and  won  many  souls  to  Christ.  His 
path  was  not  always  smooth,  nor  free  from  sorrow.  Three  times 
he  was  called  upon  to  follow  the  bier  of  a  loved  and  highly  use- 
ful companion. 

THE  OBSEQUIES 

Sickness  deprived  him  of  the  privilege  of  attending  the  Con- 
ference of  1913.  One  month  later  he  entered  the  Land  of  Rest.  On 
May  the  2nd  the  funeral  services  were  held  in  our  church  at 
Huntingburg,  where  he  just  closed  his  ministry  and  preached  his 
last  sermon  on  Easter  Sunday.  He  requested  that  Phil.  1 :  21, 
"For  me  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain,"  be  his  funeral  text. 
Brother  Luehring  and  A.  B,  Haist  conducted  the  services  at  Hunt- 
ingburg, and  D.  E.  Zechiel,  Geo.  Roederer  and  D.  0.  Wise  at  Louis- 
ville, where,  in  that  beautiful  city  of  the  dead.  Cave  Hill,  his  body 
sleeps  until  the  resurrection.  He  was  survived  by  his  last  wife  and 
six  daughters. 

124 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


JOHN   BRUCKERT    (1845-1910) 


Brother  Bruckert  was  born  in  Germany,  August  loth,  1845, 
of  honorable  Lutheran  parents,  and  with  them  he  came  to  Amer- 
ica,   in    1849,    locating   in    Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. 

While  here  he  received  an  or- 
dinary school  education,  and  then 
learned  the  art  of  making  trunks. 
Upon  hearing  that  at  Louisville, 
Ky.,  better  wages  were  being  paid 
for  trunk-making,  he  moved  thith- 
er, and  identified  himself  with  our 
Zion  Church,  taking  an  active  part 
in  her  services.  Ever  since  his 
conversion,  which  took  place  at 
Cincinnati,  in  '71,  under  our  mis- 
sionaries, he  took  a  deep  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  our  church,  and 
loyally  supported  her  to  his  end. 

The  church  recognized  his  fit- 
ness for  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
and  urged  him  to  enter  it.  How- 
ever, he  regarded  himself  as  un- 
qualified for  so  important  a  work, 
and  for  three  years  refused.  He  had  no  rest,  and  after  a  severe 
inner  conflict,  yielded  and  was  recommended  by  his  class  to  the 
Conference  for  license.  He  was  very  timid,  and  prone  to  discredit 
his  own  ability.  On  the  day  he  left  his  home  for  the  Conference, 
in  company  with  Geo.  Roederer  and  some  other  applicants  for 
license,  he  got  discouraged  and  would  have  turned  back  home 
again,  had  not  the  brethren  with  him  persuaded  him  to  continue 
the  journey  to  the  Conference.  He  was  at  that  time  already  at 
the  boat-landing,  ready  to  get  aboard  for  Evansville.  He  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Conference  and  was  duly  licensed.  This  was  in  the 
year  of  1875. 

HIS  APPOINTMENTS 

In  '75  he  was  sent  to  Defiance  Circuit  with  E.  Einsel.  In 
'76-78  he  served  Julietta ;  '78-79,  Rochester  Circuit  with  D.  J. 
Pontius,  While  on  this  work,  becoming  greatly  discouraged,  he 
wanted  to  surrender  his  license  to  his  Presiding  Elder,  M.  W, 
Steff'ey,  and  go  home,  but  Brother  Steff'ey  prevailed  upon  him  to 
continue,  and  he  resumed   his  work.     In  April,   '79,   he  was  as- 

125 


JOHN    BRUCKERT 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

signed  to  North  Webster  Circuit,  serving  it  three  years.  In  1882 
he  was  sent  to  Bunker  Hill  under  very  trying  circumstances  and 
difficulties.  In  '83  he  was  assigned  to  St.  Mary's  Circuit,  and  in 
'85  to  Edgerton.  At  the  end  of  this  year,  April,  '86,  on  account 
of  great  discouragement,  he  located.  But  when  A.  R.  Schafer  died, 
before  he  even  reached  his  appointment  in  Mishawaka,  Brother 
Bruckert  was  prevailed  upon  to  re-enter  the  active  work.  This 
incident  encouraged  him  to  believe  that  after  all  the  Lord  had 
some  work  for  him  to  do,  and  he  resolved  never  to  locate  until  the 
Conference  saw  fit  to  do  so  of  her  own  accord.  In  '88,  he  was  sent 
to  Newville,  where  he  remained  two  years.  His  health  began  to 
fail,  and  he  felt  a  change  of  climate  must  be  had.  Consequently, 
in  Sept.,  '90,  he  united  with  the  South  Indiana  Conference,  serv- 
ing Rockport  until  the  reincorporation  of  the  South  Indiana  Con- 
ference in  1893.  He  was  then  sent  to  Tabor,  noM^  Elberfeld,  and 
in  '94.  to  West  Salem.  For  two  years  he  served  this  place,  and 
passed  through  severe  financial  distress.  In  '96  he  was  again  sent 
to  Bunker  Hill,  and  after  two  years  found  it  necessary  to  locate, 
on  account  of  bodily  infirmities. 

Brother  Bruckert  had  a  hard  time  financially,  having  a  large 
family  to  support,  and  never  received  $500.00  salary  until  he 
moved  to  Bunker  Hill  the  last  time.  He  was  a  very  liberal  giver, 
even  to  a  fault,  and,  in  consequence,  his  family  at  times  had  to 
suffer.  He  was  kind  and  helpful  to  the  poor,  even  to  the  extent 
of  buying  clothes  for  beggars.  He  was  affectionate  and  kind  in 
the  home,  and  had  great  trust  in  God.  He  was  earnest  and 
punctual  in  his  work.  In  his  preaching  he  was  exhortative,  clear. 
Scriptural,  practical  and  unctuous.  He  led  many  souls  to  Christ, 
and  was  highly  esteemed  by  the  brethren.  He  endured  many 
hardships,  on  account  of  poor  traveling  facilities,  poor  accommo- 
dations, and  meager  financial  support.  At  one  time,  while  riding 
along  in  his  buggy,  his  wife  being  with  him,  he  was  not  satisfied 
with  the  gait  of  the  horse,  and,  giving  it  a  lash,  caused  it  to  start 
on  a  runaway.  Not  knowing  much  about  horses  at  this  time,  he 
said  to  his  wife,  "This  is  the  way  I  like  to  ride."  Ere  long,  both 
of  them  were  thrown  out  of  the  buggy,  and  badly  scarred  and 
bruised,  but  not  seriously  hurt. 

After  a  protracted  illness.  Brother  Bruckert  fell  asleep  in  the 
Lord,  October  9,  1910.  His  body  was  buried  in  the  Bunker  Hill 
Cemetery,  awaiting  the  call  of  God  on  that  great  Day.  His  wife, 
a  Sarah  Hansing,  and  six  children  survived  him. 


126 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


PETER   BURGENER    (1820-1889) 

Peter  Burgener  saw  the  light  of  this  world,  Feb.  12,  1820,  in 
Grinclelwald,  Canton  of  Berne,  Switzerland.  His  father.  Christian 
by  name,  was  a  shoe-maker,  and 
together,  with  his  wife,  Kathrina, 
was  a  pious  member  of  the  German 
Reformed  Church.  Peter  was  care- 
fully reared  in  the  faith  of  his  par- 
ents, being  bap<tized,  catechized 
and  confirmed,  according  to  the 
tenets  of  the  Reformed  Church. 
Even  from  his  childhood  he  was 
studious  and  religious,  which  no- 
ble characteristics  continued  with 
him  throughout  life.  His  school- 
teacher, "Peter  Glaus,"  testified 
that  he  was  "studious,  diligent  and 
talented,  having  made  marked 
progress  in  his  studies,  and  de- 
ported himself  grandly."  With  his 
parents  he  immigrated  to  America 
in  the  spring  of  1834,  and  located 
in  Wayne  Co.,  Ohio.  In  the  fall  of 
this  year  his  father  died,  leaving  a 
widow  and  5  children,  of  whom  Peter  was  the  second  in  age.  Two 
years  later  his  elder  brother  was  accidentally  killed,  and  the  sup- 
port of  the  family  rested  largely  upon  him  until  his  24th  year. 


PETER  BURGENER 


HIS  CONVERSION  AND  CALL  TO  THE   MINISTRY 

In  the  fall  of  1843  he  married  Barbara  Grossman,  who  proved 
a  great  blessing  and  help  to  his  life.  At  their  marriage  both  he 
and  his  wife  were  unconverted,  and  were  strangers  to  grace.  In 
the  spring  of  1845  he  heard  a  preacher  deliver  a  message  on  Rev. 
3 :  20,  which  went  to  his  heart  like  an  arrow.  He  was  deeply  con- 
victed of  his  sinful  condition,  and  began  at  once  earnestly  to  seek 
the  Lord.  That  he  was  sincere,  was  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  he 
immediately  set  up  a  family  altar,  kneeling  in  prayer.  This 
greatly  incensed  his  father-in-law,  who  accused  him  of  apostasy 
from  Protestantism,  and  with  leading  his  family  back  to  popery. 
His  father-in-law  became  so  em.bittered  against  Peter  that  even 
when  he  moved  away  he  refused  to  take  the  hand  of  parting  that 
was  extended  to  him.     The  same  spring,  P.  Burgener,  with  his 

127 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

family,  mother,  brother  and  sister,  moved  to  Hepton,  Kosciusko 
Co.,  Indiana.  While  here,  he  and  his  brother-in-law  began  hold- 
ing prayer-meetings,  to  which  also  some  of  the  neighbors  came. 
None  of  them  were  as  yet  converted,  but  in  the  fall  of  this  year 
some  Evangelical  preachers  came  into  this  neighborhood  and 
preached.  But  not  until  1846  did  any  conversions  take  place. 
First  a  neighbor's  wife,  and  then  Peter's  wife  were  converted. 
This  experience  of  theirs  greatly  encouraged  Peter,  who  sought 
nure  earnestly  than  ever  after  the  "Pearl  of  Greatest  Price." 
While  out  in  his  clearing,  one  day,  he  knelt  in  prayer,  and  the 
Lord  of  grace  filled  his  soul  with  peace  and  light.  He  knew  he  was 
saved. 

He  at  once  felt  a  great  inner  persuasion  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel of  salvation  to  his  neighbors.  Soon  others  were  converted, 
and  a  class  was  formed,  he  becoming  the  leader.  Having  served 
one  year  as  class-leader — Satan  trying  him  sorely — he  was  elected 
to  the  office  of  exhorter,  which  office  then  was  next  to  that  of  a 
minister.  His  impression  to  preach  grew  as  time  went  on,  and 
finally  he  received  license.  The  license  to  preach  in  itself  did  not 
satisfy  him,  for  he  believed  that  he  ought  to  give  all  his  time  to 
this  work.  However,  he  considered  his  temporal  affairs  to  be 
such  that  he  could  not  leave  his  family,  without  first  providing 
more  fully  for  their  wants.  Hence  he  gave  himself  more  earnestly 
to  farming  and  clearing,  hoping  soon  to  be  able  to  lay  a  little  by, 
so  that  he  could  give  himself  to  preaching.  After  toiling  hard  for 
-two  whole  years,  and  having  met  with  some  severe  reverses,  he 
felt  that  he  must  obey  God  at  once  and  preach  the  Gospel,  no  mat- 
ter what  the  cost.  Thus  June  found  him  attending  the  Annual 
Conference  in  Des  Plaines,  111.,  where  he  was  received  into  the 
itinerancy. 

HIS   MINISTRY 

With  Peter  Goetz,  he  was  assigned  to  St.  Mary's  Circuit, 
which  embraced  Williams,  Defiance,  Van  Wert  and  Mercer  Coun- 
ties in  Ohio,  and  Jay,  Adams,  Wells,  Huntington,  Wabash,  Allen, 
Noble,  DeKalb  and  Lagrange  Counties  in  Indiana.  There  were 
some  twenty  appointments  on  this  field,  which  required  about  450 
miles  traveling  on  horseback  to  make  one  round.  Roads  were 
very  bad,  and  many  streams  unbridged.  His  home  was  50  miles 
from  his  nearest  appointment,  and  he  was  almost  constantly  away 
from  his  home.  At  one  time  his  horse  was  not  able  to  travel  for 
a  period  of  nine  weeks,  and  he  obliged  to  borrow  another.  This 
one  became  so  lame  that  he  had  to  abandon  it  and  travel  the  rest 

128 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

of  the  way  on  foot.  With  undaunted  courage  he  made  his  ap- 
pointments, and  during  this  one  year  traveled  some  4,000  miles 
and  preached  198  times.  His  greatest  enemy  during  this  year  was 
chill-fever. 

In  1851  the  Illinois  Conference  session  was  held  in  Brookville,  111., 
and  he  was  returned  to  St.  Mary's  with  B.  Uphaus  as  preacher-in- 
charge.  Their  labors  were  crowned  with  conversions  and  acces- 
sions; however,  he  was  greatly  hindered  by  malarial  fever,  at  one 
time  being  disabled  for  three  weeks.  In  April,  1852,  he  assisted 
Brothers  Goetz  and  S.  Dickover  in  holding  a  revival  meeting  in 
Lindsy  school-house.  Wells  Co.,  Ind.  A  number  knelt  for  prayer 
and  sought  the  Lord  and  found  Him  precious  and  real  to  their 
souls.    This  was  the  beginning  of  our  work  at  Linn  Grove. 

In  1852  he  became  a  charter  member  of  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence, and  was  assigned  to  Dubois  Circuit,  the  now  Huntingburg 
Churches,  and  the  counties  in  South-western  Indiana.  G.  Franzen 
was  his  colleague.  Upon  his  return  from  the  Conference  session 
one  of  his  children  died.  This  was,  indeed,  a  sad  blow,  coming,  as 
it  did,  just  upon  the  eve  of  their  removal  to  a  home  300  miles  dis- 
tant. After  a  two  weeks'  journey,  per  buggy,  they  came  to  their 
new  "parsonage"  (?),  all  tired  and  spent.  This  year  was  in  many 
ways  a  good  year,  the  Lord  crowning  his  labors  with  success.  One 
occurrence  gave  him  much  joy.  A  young  woman  and  her  husband 
were  converted  and  joined  the  church.  The  mother  of  this  woman 
threatened  "to  cut  her  throat"  if  she  joined  these  people  and  their 
fanaticism.  He  also  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  Christian  Ude, 
who  afterward  became  one  of  our  preachers.  Frequent  recur- 
rences of  chill-fever,  however,  greatly  hindered  him  in  his  work. 
Still  he  pushed  onward  and  upward.  In  1853  he  purchased  two 
church  lots  in  Evansville,  Ind.,  for  the  sum  of  $360.00. 

In  1853  he  was  sent  to  Olney  Mission  in  Illinois,  and  moved 
into  a  small  house  on  Grand  Prairie,  4  miles  from  Olney.  As  yet 
we  had  no  society  in  Olney,  but  in  December,  1853,  he  succeeded 
in  getting  a  lot  donated  and  secured  subscriptions  amounting  to 
$600.00  for  a  church  building.  A  structure  32x45  ft.  was  soon  un- 
der way.  He  labored  with  his  own  hands  in  building  of  the 
church,  working  in  stone  and  timber,  and  did  much  of  the  hauling. 
(This  frame  church  was  dedicated  1855.)  During  this  same 
year,  1853,  he  laid  the  foundation  of  the  West  Salem  society. 
Olney  and  Fox  River  classes  were  organized  by  him  in  May.  At 
the  Conference  session  he  was  returned  to  Olney,  only  to  face  a 
year  of  great  trial  and  bereavement.  His  youngest  child  passed 
away  in  Oct.,  1854,  and  his  bosom  companion  and  constant  sup- 

129 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

port  departed  Feb.  6,  1855.  His  wife  had  been  a  very  pious 
woman,  a  great  and  godly  mother,  who,  with  the  meager  allow- 
ance, m_anaged  to  keep  her  brood  in  food  and  clothing. 

In  1855  he  was  sent  to  Marshall  Circuit  in  Illinois.  He  was 
greatly  handicapped  because  there  was  no  mother  in  the  home 
to  take  care  of  the  children,  and  upon  urgent  advice  from  his 
brethren  in  the  ministry  he  married  Louisa  Wiechman,  July  17, 
1855.  She  became  a  great  help  to  him  and  lifted  a  great  burden 
off  his  heart.  He  was  eager  with  the  other  preachers  of  those 
days  to  find  new  openings  for  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel.  And 
there  were  m.any  openings,  for  the  simple  reason  that  the  Ger- 
mans were  neglected,  and  our  preachers  worked  in  the  Geiman 
exclusively.  He  succeeded  in  making  new  appointments  from 
time  to  time. 

In  1856  he  was  assigned  a  second  time  to  St.  Mary  Circuit, 
where  he  had  good  success.  Especially  was  he  successful  at  the 
Reserve,  around  Huntingburg,  at  Young's  in  Wabash  County,  near 
Celina,  and  about  Van  Wert.  In  September  of  1857  he  was  re- 
turned, and  this  year  had  104  conversions  and  114  accessions.  He 
dared  to  deviate  from  the  time-honored  custom  of  a  few  days' 
meeting,  and  continued  them  8  to  14  days.  At  the  Hertel  appoint- 
ment the  wife  of  an  unconverted  man,  while  enjoying  the  bless- 
ings of  God  in  a  meeting,  was  suddenly  stricken  dead  with  apo- 
plexy. Burgener  greatly  feared  for  the  result,  but  when  the  hard- 
hearted husband  and  haughty  daughter  came  to  meeting  where 
the  dead  mother  lay,  they  were  seized  with  deep  conviction,  and 
the  daughter  was  gloriously  saved  then  and  there.  This  greatly 
encouraged  the  believers  and  made  them  strong  to  do  exploits. 

In  1858  he  was  assigned  to  Fulton  Circuit,  then  to  St.  Joseph 
Circuit,  and  in  1860  to  his  home  field,  Yellow  River  Circuit.  This 
was  very  agreeable  to  him,  and  for  two  years  he  served  it  with 
great  success.  In  September,  1862,  he  retired  from  the  active 
work  on  account  of  some  measures  in  the  church  he  did  not  like, 
and  for  a  time  withdrew  from  the  church  altogether.  However, 
he  later  reunited  with  the  church,  and  was  reinstated  to  his  former 
relation  to  Conference. 

His  later  life  was  that  of  a  farmer.  Selling  his  farms,  he 
purchased  one  near  Prethy  Lake,  Plymouth,  Ind.,  and  here  he 
spent  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  seldom  preached  in  these 
later  years  because  there  was  little  opportunity  to  exercise  in  the 
German.  Brother  Oakes  says  of  his  preaching,  "It  was  earnest, 
unctuous,  eminently  biblical."     In  character  he  was  upright  and 

130 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

uncompromising;  in  his  work  methodical,  in  his  convictions  fixed. 
His  life  was  well  spent,  and  his  reward  well  earned. 

On  April  16,  1889,  after  a  short  but  painful  illness,  he  slept 
the  final  sleep  of  death.  Brother  D.  S.  Oakes  officiated  at  the 
funeral,  assisted  by  J.  M.  Dustman  and  W.  S.  Tracy.  He  lies  bur- 
ied near  his  farm  at  Prethy  Lake,  Tnd. 


J.  M.  CONDO    (1845-1870) 

Brother  Condo  was  born  in  Indiana,  Jan.  7th,  1845,  and  died 
in  Greencastle,  Iowa,  March  23rd,  1870.  He  was  converted  Jan. 
15,  1863,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He  was 
elected  as  exhorter  during  the  same  year.  Sept.,  '64,  he  was 
licensed  as  preacher  on  probation,  by  the  Indiana  Conferenece, 
and  sent  to  Fulton  Circuit.  He  traveled  only  four  weeks  when  he 
had  to  resign  on  account  of  sickness.  In  '6Q,  he  moved  to  Iowa, 
locating  in  a  place  where  the  Evangelical  Association  was  not 
represented,  and  there  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  As  his  health  somewhat  improved,  he  traveled  under  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Presiding  Elder  a  few  months.  In  '68,  he 
visited  his  relatives  in  Greencastle,  and  reunited  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association,  and  took  work  again.  He  was  appointed 
with  B.  Monischmit  to  travel  Winterset  and  Afton  Mission.  Here 
he  labored  seven  months  with  great  success.  At  the  session  of 
'69,  he  was  received  by  the  Iowa  Conference  and  assigned  to  the 
Des  Moines  Mission.  But  his  health  soon  failed,  and  he  was  com- 
pelled to  locate  again.  After  a  feM'  months  he  took  Greencastle 
work,  where  he  seemed  to  improve  in  health  for  a  while,  but  ere 
long  he  again  had  to  lay  dowai  the  work.  He  lived  a  pious  life. 
With  praises  he  looked  into  the  beyond.  Rev.  H.  J.  Bowman,  of 
our  church,  conducted  his  funeral  services.  Interment  was  made 
at  Greencastle,  Iowa. 


ELI  E.  CONDO,  1846-1880 

Brother  Condo  was  born  July  12,  1846,  in  E.  Germantown, 
Ind.,  and  was  killed  by  a  cyclone  in  Marshfield,  Mo.,  April  18, 
1880,  He  was  buried  at  Freeport,  111.  He  was  reared  in  an  Evan- 
gelical family.  His  mother  died  in  his  infancy.  He  was  converted 
to  God,  March  15,  1863,  and  joined  the  Evangelical  Association. 
In  1866  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Indiana  Conference,  and 
was  sent  with  Wm.  Bockman  on  Elkhart  Circuit.  In  1867  he 
served  on  Fulton  Circuit.     In  1868  he  was  ordained  deacon,  and 

131 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

was  sent  on  Twin  Lake  Circuit  alone.  In  the  fall  of  1869  he 
filled  a  vacancy  on  the  Naperville  Mission  in  the  Illinois  Confer- 
ence, and  joined  this  Conference  in  the  spring  of  1870,  and  was 
assigned  to  Freeport  Mission,  serving  it  two  years.  In  the  fall 
of  this  year  he  was  married  to  Esther  Dreisbach,  of  Carthage, 
Mo.,  daughter  of  J.  E.  Dreisbach,  then  Superintendent  of  the 
Orphan  Home  at  Flat  Rock,  0.,  with  whom  he  lived  happily  until 
his  tragic  death.  In  1873  he  moved  to  Carthage,  Mo.,  and  united 
with  the  Kansas  Conference,  serving  Carthage  3  years  as  a  supply. 
In  1876  he  joined  the  Des  Moines  Conference  and  served  Des 
Moines  Mission  one  year,  and  again  returned  to  Missouri,  in  Dec, 
1877,  and  united  Math  the  St.  Louis  Methodist  Episcopal  Confer- 
ence. In  the  spring  of  1878,  he  w^as  sent  to  N.  Springfield,  Mo. 
In  1879-80  to  Marshfield.  The  closing  scene  of  his  life  was  as 
follows  given  by  D.  B.  Beyers,  of  the  Illinois  Conference:  "On 
April  18,  Sunday  A.  M.,  he  preached  a  very  impressive  sermon 
on  'The  Goodness  of  God,'  as  if  to  prepare  his  own  heart  for  the 
coming  tragedy.  In  the  afternoon  he  taught  his  colored  Sunday- 
school  class.  Two  hours  later,  when  selecting  hymns  for  the  even- 
ing service,  having  already  selected  'What  a  Friend  We  have  in 
Jesus,'  he  heard  the  awful  sound  of  the  approaching  cyclone.  He 
rose  quickly,  walked  out  of  the  door,  gathered  his  family  under  a 
large  peach  tree  in  the  front  yard,  putting  his  arm  around  them, 
out  of  fear  of  them  being  carried  away.  In  an  instant  the  crash 
came ;  all  was  as  if  it  had  been  chaff  before  the  cyclone.  After  the 
furious  blast  was  over  he  inquired,  'What  does  all  this  mean?' 
He  was  much  mangled  and  injured.  His  wife  was  brought  to  him 
bleeding  profusely.  He  asked,  'Is  she  hurt  much?'  He  was  so 
much  concerned  for  the  welfare  of  his  family  that  he  said  to  the 
doctor,  'Let  me  die,  and  save  my  family.'  In  two  hours  he  passed 
away." 


TIMOTHY  CARROLL    (1834-1894) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  in  Richland  Co.,  Ohio  (now 
Ashland) ,  July  19,  1834.  He  was  converted  in  his  19th  year,  and 
at  the  age  of  20  joined  the  United  Brethren  Church,  in  which 
church  he  entered  as  a  minister  and  was  ordained  as  deacon  and 
as  elder. 

His  father  seems  to  have  been  a  wicked  man,  a  drunkard, 
and  kicked  Timothy  down  a  flight  of  stairs  when  but  a  child  of 
eight  years,  injuring  him  so  that  he  became  afflicted  with  the 
"white  swelling,"  which  caused  his  lameness.     His  childhood  was 

132 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

anything  but  pleasant,  which,  without  doubt,  occasioned  his  silence 
concerning  his  childhood  days.  His  father  was  a  cooper  by  trade. 
Timothy  attended  public  school  but  six  weeks  in  his  life,  yet  by 
hard  study  at  home  he  became  a  well-read  man. 

He  preached  in  the  United  Brethren  Church  in  the  North 
Ohio  and  Auglaize  Conferences  for  39  years,  and  gave  very  ac- 
ceptable service.  In  '66,  he  united  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion and  was  received  into  the  Indiana  Conference.  He  labored 
earnestly  and  faithfully  in  the  Indiana  Conference  on  the  follow- 
ing fields:  Berne  Circuit,  '91;  Wolcottville,  '92-93;  N.  Paris,  '94, 
which  he  served  until  the  Lord  called  him,  June  15th,  1894. 

He  fell  at  his  post.  He  was  a  man  of  strong  and  positive 
convictions,  a  loyal  defender  of  the  faith.  Of  him  it  was  said: 
"As  a  preacher,  he  was  sound  in  doctrine,  clear,  practical,  deeply 
spiritual,  possessing  a  deep  emotional  nature,  which  was  often 
manifest  in  his  preaching.  He  lived  a  consistent  life.  He  gave 
himself  to  the  Lord,  to  his  church  and  to  his  family.  He  was  pro- 
nounced against  sin  in  every  form,  and  took  an  active  part  in  all 
reform  movements.  His  suffering  was  brief,  and  his  end  peace." 
The  funeral  was  held  at  New  Paris,  Ind.,  in  the  Evangelical 
Church.  D.  Martz  preached  the  sermon,  the  brethren  Scheidler, 
Evans,  A.  Geist,  Albert  and  Bockman  assisting.  His  wife,  a  Julia 
Ann  Smith,  whom  he  married  in  '69,  and  two  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter survived   him. 


JOHN  CAUFFMAN    (1816-1889) 

This  brother  was  born  April  25th,  1816,  and  died  near  Silver 
Lake,  Kosciusko  Co.,  Ind.,  Aug.  18th.  1889.  He  was  converted  to 
God  at  the  age  of  16  years,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation. He  lived  an  earnest  life  to  the  end.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  '36,  and  traveled  3Vj  years,  thereafter  serving  in  a  local 
relation.  It  was  said  of  him  that  he  possessed  more  than  ordinary 
talents  as  a  sermonizer. 

During  the  last  eight  years  of  his  life,  on  account  of  impaired 
health,  he  could  not  attend  divine  services  very  often.  He  was 
married  to  Leah  Swartz,  July  22,  1839,  and  became  the  father  of 
seven  children,  of  whom  three  died.  In  '54  his  wife  died  also,  and 
in  Jan.,  '56,  he  was  married  a  second  time  to  Eva  Zellars,  and  to 
them  were  born  nine  children.  His  wife  and  eight  children  sur- 
vived him. 

His  home  was  a  true  home  to  weary  itinerant  preachers.  He 
had  a  warm  reception  waiting  for  them.    He  was  also  a  good  sup- 

133 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

porter  of  the  church  and  the  missionary  cause,  which  lay  near  to 
his  heart.  He  held  the  respect  of  young  and  old,  and  his  name  was 
honored  in  his  community. 

His  end  was  peaceful  and  in  the  Lord.  Brother  Wales  preached 
his  funeral  sermon  in  the  Gospel  Church,  near  Silver  Lake,  near 
which  place,  also,  his  body  is  entombed. 


ADOLPH  DASSEL   (1830-1863) 

Born  March  3rd,  1830,  at  Hanover,  Germany,  he  died  in  the 
full  assurance  of  the  faith,  April  25,  1863.  He  was  converted, 
March  5,  1853,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He 
vs^as  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Indiana  Conference,  Sept.,  1862. 

As  a  young  man  he  came  to  America  with  his  parents,  and 
located  near  Warrenton,  now  Tabor,  Indiana.  Here  he  soon  was 
brought  under  the  preaching  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and 
yielded  to  the  wooings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  repented  and  was  born 
again.  By  a  true  and  faithful  life  he  won  the  confidence  of  the 
people  of  his  community.  He  had  a  fair  German  education,  and 
possessed  natural  gifts  necessary  to  ministerial  success.  Soon 
after  his  conversion  he  became  conscious  of  his  call  to  the  Gos- 
pel ministry,  but,  like  many  others,  resisted  for  a  time.  As  the 
call  grew  more  urgent,  and  the  society  became  convinced  that  he 
should  preach  the  Word,  and  advised  him  to  give  himself  to  the 
work,  the  class  at  Warrenton  recommended  him  to  Conference, 
and  he  was  licensed ;  but,  having  more  applicants  than  were 
needed  to  supply  the  fields,  he  did  not  take  work  until  Sept.,  1863. 
Carmi  was  assigned  to  him,  which  he  served  with  great  satisfac- 
tion. His  Presiding  Elder  said  of  him  that,  in  his  short  career, 
he  made  warm  friends  of  his  members,  and  with  his  faithful  vis- 
its among  German  families,  and  by  his  consistent  life  and  kindness 
to  all  the  people,  he  won  the  respect  of  nearly  everybody 
within  the  circle  of  his  mission.  That  he  was  meek,  obliging, 
pious,  modest,  and  possessed  of  excellent  talents.  His  sermons  were 
not  overpowering,  but  yet  permeated  with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  that 
he  insisted  upon  experimental  religion.  Shortly  before  his  de- 
cease he  said  to  his  wife,  "I  am  going  home."  He  was  suivived 
by  his  wife  and  five  small  children.  The  church  lost  by  his  death 
a  promising  young  man,  and  the  family  an  indulgent  father.  In- 
terment was  made  in  Carmi,  111.  His  death  was  the  result  of  in- 
flammatory rheumatism. 

134 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

SAMUEL  DICKOVER    (1826-1883) 

This  man  of  God  had  a  very  eventful  hfe,  which  ended  as 
tragically  as  it  was  eventful.  Born  Feb,  3,  1826,  of  humble  par- 
entage, on  a  farm  near  Cambridge  City,  Indiana,  the  5th  of  17 
children,  he  fared  all  the  hardships  of  those  early  days.  His 
school  privileges  were  very  limited,  yet  fair,  compared  with  the 
times  in  which  he  lived.  He  made  use  of  every  opportunity  for 
intellectual  advantage  that  was  presented  him,  and  his  achieve- 
ments were  marvelous. 

HIS  CONVERSION  AND  CALL  TO  THE  MINISTRY 

His  parents  were  staunch  members  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  and,  as  such,  knew  the  grace  of  God.  However,  when 
but  16  years  of  age,  Samuel  attended  a  camp-meeting  conducted 
by  Chr.  Augenstein,  one  of  our  Evangelical  ministers,  which 
camp-meeting  was  held  on  John  Dill's  farm,  near  his  home,  and 
it  was  here  that  he  came  under  deep  conviction  of  sin  and  was 
converted.  He  was  baptized  and  united  with  our  church,  where- 
upon his  parents  also  transferred  their  membership  to  our  church. 

Immediately  he  became  very  active  in  the  work  of  the  Lord, 
and  it  was  not  very  long  until  he  heard  the  voice  of  God  calling 
him  to  the  work  of  preaching.  Having  a  dislike  for  farm  life, 
he  followed  his  natural  bent  and  learned  a  trade.  While  working 
at  his  trade,  he  gave  himself  to  the  study  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
even  at  times,  while  at  his  work,  the  Sacred  Book  lay  open  before 
him.  Thus  he  acquired  a  fund  of  knowledge  that  stood  him  in 
good  stead  in  the  years  to  follow.  At  the  age  of  20,  he  abandoned 
his  vocation  and  turned  wholly  to  preaching  the  Word. 

HIS  WORK  IN  THE  MINISTRY 

The  Illinois  Conference  gave  him  license  to  preach,  June, 
1846,  and  sent  him  to  the  Des  Plaines  Circuit.  His  first  year  was 
one  of  success  and  blessing,  and  laid  the  foundation  for  a  useful 
career.  In  1847  he  served  DeKalb  Mission  in  Indiana;  in  1848, 
Elkhart  Circuit;  in  1849,  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit.  In  all  these  places 
he  worked  with  visible  results.  In  1850  he  was  elected  to  the 
office  of  a  Presiding  Elder,  in  which  office  he  continued  for  the 
greater  part  of  his  remaining  ministry. 

At  the  organization  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  in  1852,  he 
became  a  charter  member,  and  one  of  the  first  Presiding  Elders. 
In  1857  he  resigned  his  office,  and  returned  to  the  Illinois  Confer- 
ence, whereupon  he  assumed  a  local  relation,  and  moved  to  Iowa. 
However,    he    served    Green    Castle    Mission    during    the    winter 

135 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

months  of  this  year,  and  at  Conference  thne  entered  the  active 
service  again.  He  v^as  stationed  on  Naperville  Circuit,  and  won 
great  success.  In  this  one  year  he  had  150  conversions  and  many 
accessions.  This  was  phenomenal  for  this  circuit.  In  1860,  he 
was  again  elected  Presiding  Elder,  in  which  capacity  he  served 
three  years.  In  1863  he  served  Spring  Creek  Circuit,  in  1864 
again  elected  Presiding  Elder,  in  which  office  he  remained  until 
his  resignation  in  1870.  For  two  years  he  served  St.  John's  Church 
in  Chicago.  In  1873-75,  1877,  he  was  appointed  special  financial 
agent  for  the  Institute  at  Naperville,  in  which  office  he  acquitted 
himself  very  nobly.  The  other  fields  that  he  served  were:  Naper- 
ville Station,  1876;  Des  Plaines  Station,  1878-9;  Sheffield  Mis- 
sion, 1879-0;  Twelfth  St.  Station,  1880-1,  when  he  was  again 
elected  Presiding  Elder,  in  which  office  he  laid  down  his  life. 

As  a  man.  Brother  Dickover  was  an  earnest,  devout  Chris- 
tian. He  possessed  a  great  and  winning  personality,  a  conserva- 
tive spirit,  and  an  unusual  capacity  for  hard  work.  He  was  gifted 
in  many  ways,  which  gifts  proved  a  great  asset  to  him  in  his 
great  work  for  the  Master.  He  did  not  hide  his  talent  in  a  nap- 
kin, but  put  it  to  use  in  the  King's  business,  and  gained  other  tal- 
ents. He  was  possessed  of  good  executive  ability ;  in  cerem.onies  he 
was  a  master.  As  a  preacher  he  was  sound  and  biblical,  a  power 
in  the  pulpit,  a  great  winner  of  souls.  He  also  was  accomplished 
in  song,  and  had  the  ability  to  lead  others.  He  was  highly  hon- 
ored among  his  brethren,  who  keenly  felt  his  loss. 

He  was  honored  with  many  offices.  A  Presiding  Elder  for 
nearly  20  years ;  six  times  a  delegate  to  General  Conference ;  Con- 
ference Treasurer  a  number  of  times ;  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Publication,  and  also  of  the  Board  of  Missions. 

HIS  HOME  LIFE 

In  1852,  Brother  Dickover  found  a  life  companion  in  Elenora 
•Fisher,  who  became  a  true  helpmeet  to  him.  Their  home  life  was 
one  of  great  blessedness,  and  as  a  father  he  was  greatly  con- 
cerned for  the  welfare  of  his  family.  Nine  children  were  given 
to  them,  and  these  were  reared  with  great  fidelity  and  earnestness. 
Even  in  his  death  his  only  concern  was  for  his  "dear  wife'"  and 
children.  He  longed  that  they  might  be  converted,  one  and  all, 
and  be  able  to  meet  him  in  yonder  world. 

HIS  DECEASE  AND  BURIAL 

His  death  was  tragic.  On  Friday,  November  16th,  1883, 
about  noon.  Brother  Dickover  and  Ludwig  Gruner  were  riding  on 

136 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

a  C.  B.  0.  passenger  train  near  Otter  Creek  Bridge,  Ottawa,  Illi- 
nois. While  stopped  on  the  treacherous  bend  that  lies  in  this 
place,  in  order  to  await  the  removal  of  a  stalled  sand  train,  they 
were  run  into  by  a  fast  freight,  which  demolished  the  rear  pas- 
senger coach,  killing  all  but  4  or  5  of  the  15  passengers.  Among 
them  were  Dickover  and  Gruner.  Fully  ten  minutes  elapsed  be- 
fore anyone  had  the  heart  to  extricate  them  from  the  debris. 
Brother  Gruner  \vas  the  first  to  be  liberated,  and  he  pleaded  with 
them  that  they  would  rescue  his  Presiding  Elder,  When  Dickover 
was  finally  freed,  it  was  found  that  he  was  fearfully  scalded, 
bruised,  crushed  and  lacerated.  Death  was  inevitable.  He  was 
hastened  to  the  home  of  Rev,  Strickfaden,  our  missionary  in  Ot- 
owa,  where  every  possible  thing  was  done  to  alleviate  his  fearful 
sufi'erings.  His  end  came  very  soon,  even  before  he  could  see  his 
wife,  from  whom  he  parted  so  reluctantly.  He  gave  repeated 
assurance  of  his  going  home  to  God,  and  amidst  untold  physical 
tortures,  but  inward  peace,  took  his  leave  to  a  world  where  suffer- 
ing and  death  are  no  more. 

The  obsequies  were  held  Tuesday,  Nov.  20th,  Friends  and 
ministers  gathered  from  all  parts  of  the  district  to  show  their  last 
respect  to  him  whom  they  loved  as  a  brother.  Bishop  R,  Dubs 
preached  the  sermon.  Bishop  Esher  gave  a  eulogy  of  his  life  and 
work.  Brother  Augenstein  officiated  at  the  grave.  Interment  was 
made  at  Naperville,  111. 

He  died  in  the  work  and  gained  a  well-earned  reward  as  a 
servant  of  the  Cross  of  Christ. 


EDMUND  CHASPER  EWALD    (1870-1911) 

Edmund  was  the  son  of  Lutheran  parents,  and  was  born  near 
Bremen,  Ind.,  Nov.  24th,  1870,  His  young  days  were  spent  upon 
the  farm,  attending  public  school  during  the  winter  months.  When 
of  age,  he  worked  in  a  saw-mill,  close  by  his  home.  In  the  spring  of 
1894,  he  attended  a  United  Brethren  revival  at  Bremen,  and  was 
"  born  again,"  uniting  with  the  Evangelical  Church,  of  which  his 
mother  had  become  a  member.  He  ascribed  great  praise  to  his 
mother  for  her  Christian  influence,  and  the  training  she  gave  him, 
often  saying,  "  My  conversion  was  due  to  her  earnest  prayers,  and 
all  that  I  am,  I  owe  to  her  and  to  the  grace  of  God." 

He  became  a  very  active  worker  in  the  church,  and  soon  heard 
God's  call  to  preach  the  Gospel.  He  naturally  shrank  back  from  this 
sort  of  a  life,  being  timid  and  having  but  a  limited  education. 
But,  after  it  was  clear  to  him  that  God  really  wanted  him  in  His 

137 


EDMUND  CHASPER  EWALD 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

vineyard,  he  yielded.  He  had  a  re- 
markable dream  that  gave  him  great 
encouragement  in  his  call.  He 
dreamed  one  night  that  he  was  out 
on  a  large  body  of  water  in  a  boat, 
sitting  idly  by,  while  all  around  him 
there  were  people  in  the  water  strug- 
gling and  reaching  out  their  hands 
toward  him,  and  calling  him  to  help 
them  into  the  boat.  This  dream  made 
him  feel  that  God  had  a  special  work 
for  him  to  do.  At  this  time  he  was 
working  at  a  creamery.  He  gave  no- 
tice of  his  intentions,  gave  up  his 
work,  and  went  to  North-Western 
College.  Here  he  put  in  nearly  six 
years  of  hard  study,  graduating  from 
the  Evangelical  Seminary,  and  if  his  health  had  not  been  impaired, 
he  would  have  also  graduated  from  the  college  in  another  year. 

HIS  MINISTRY 

He  came  home,  and  received  his  license  and  was  assigned 
by  the  Indiana  Conference  in  1902  to  San  Pierre,  where  he  re- 
mained for  three  years.  In  1905  he  was  assigned  to  Terre  Haute, 
Indiana,  where  he  served  five  years.  In  1910,  he  was  sent  to  Peru 
and  nearly  completed  the  year  when  the  call  of  God  was  heard, 
appointing  him  to  higher  service.  In  each  place  he  had  souls  for 
his  hire.  His  preaching  was  practical.  Scriptural,  unctuous,  bring- 
ing forth  fruit  unto  eternal  life.  His  sermons  were  well  prepared 
and  ably  delivered.  He  was  above  the  average  in  sermonizing. 
He  also  was  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  Evayigelical  Messenger. 
While  yet  in  the  very  prime  of  his  life,  unexpectedly  he  passed 
away  at  Peru,  Indiana,  March  8th,  1911.  He  was  recovering  from 
a  severe  siege  of  typhoid  fever,  when  an  unlooked-for  relapse 
overtook  him,  and  he  went  to  his  reward.  He  left  behind  him  a 
young  widow,  a  Clara  Berger,  of  Bremen,  whom  he  married  in 
1902.    His  body  was  interred  in  the  cemetery  at  Bremen,  Indiana. 


FRED  M.  FINKBEINER   (1827-1904) 

Fred  Finkbeiner  was  born,  Rudersoll,  Wuerttemberg,  Germany, 
April  28th,  1827.  His  father  was  a  sawyer  by  trade.  When  three  years 
old  his  parents  immigrated  to  America,  settling  in  Hagerstown,Md. 

138 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

In  '36  they  moved  to  Marshall,  111.,  and  were  among  the  first  set- 
tlers here.  Fred  never  had  much  schooling,  and  as  his  parents 
were  poor,  they  often  only  had  corn-bread  with  molasses  to  eat. 
There  were  twelve  children,  of  which  Fred  was  the  oldest,  and, 
consequently,  he  had  to  help  make  a  living  for  all,  clearing  away 
timber,  splitting  rails,  building  fences,  and  making  and  hauling 
saw-logs.  His  parents  were  Lutherans,  who  carefully  reared 
their  children  in  this  faith,  and  Fred  was  duly  confirmed.  When 
G.  G.  Platz,  a  pioneer  preacher  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  came 
to  this  place,  his  parents  attended  his  services  and  were  led  to 
repentance.  They  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association, 
becoming  charter  members  of  the  Zion  society  of  Marshall,  and 
helped  to  build  the  first  church  of  our  denomination  in  this  country. 

At  the  age  of  12  years,  Fred,  with  his  brother  Christian, 
went  to  a  camp-meeting,  held  near  his  home,  in  1839,  with  the 
avowed  purpose  of  throwing  stones  upon  the  people  in  the  meet- 
ing; but  the  mighty  preaching  of  the  Gospel  by  these  men  of 
God  gripped  them,  and  they  were  brought  to  their  knees  at  the 
altar.  After  a  mighty  struggle,  resulting  in  a  glorious  victory, 
they  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  Fred  rapidly  de- 
veloped in  his  newly  found  life,  and  was  elected  as  class-leader, 
and  later  on  as  exhorter.  He  revealed  proficiency  in  these  offices, 
and  was  recommended  by  his  class  and  licensed  as  a  probationer 
in  '59.  He  traveled  as  assistant  on  Marshall  Circuit  one  or  two 
years,  but  thereafter  remained  in  the  local  relation  until  1878, 
when  he  again  began  active  work  in  the  South  Indiana  Confer- 
ence. He  served  Lancaster,  '78  to  '80 ;  Tabor,  '80  to  '84 ;  Camp 
Creek  and  other  fields  to  1893,  when  the  South  Indiana  Conference 
Avas  reincorporated  with  the  mother  Conference,  he  served  three 
years  more.  In  all  20  years  of  work.  He  built  the  Emmanuel 
Church  on  the  Camp  Creek  Circuit.  He  had  worked  on  it  for  40 
days  when  a  nail  flew  into  his  eye  and  destroyed  its  sight. 

His  preaching  was  earnest  and  unctuous.  He  became  greatly 
enthused  by  the  support  his  wife  would  give  him,  while  in  his 
discourse.  She  would  endorse  his  statements  with  "Amen,  praise 
the  Lord."  This  encouraged  him  and  fired  his  soul.  He  fearlessly 
denounced  sin  wherever  he  found  it,  and  urged  holy  living  and  full 
salvation  upon  the  people.  His  fruits  remain  unto  this  day.  Three 
young  men  were  converted  under  his  labors,  who  later  entered  the 
ministry,  namely,  I.  H.  Griesemer,  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  O. 
L.  Markman,  now  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  Rev. 
Landis,  of  the  Free  Methodist  Church. 

After  the  death  of  his  first  wife,  Sarah  Oakes,  he  was  mar- 

139 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


ried  a  second  time  to  Barbara  Beck,  who  proved  a  great  help  to 
him,  and  who,  with  seven  children,  also  survived  him.  His  end 
came  May  25,  1904,  at  Marshall,  and  his  burial  was  in  the  Big 
Creek  Cemetery  of  the  Marshall  Circuit.  Rev.  J,  Mundorf  offi- 
ciated. 


HENRY  L.  FISHER  (1828-1880) 

Rev.  H.  L.  Fisher  first  saw  the  light  of  the  w^orld  near  Lebanon, 
Lebanon  Co.,  Pa.,  March  18, 1828.  His  parents  lived  on  a  farm,  and, 
early  in  the  history  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  became  con- 
verted and  united  with  the  church.  They  were  very  pious  Chris- 
tians.   Their  home  was  made  a  delightful  stopping  place  for  many 

a  weary  traveling  minister  of  the 
Evangelical  Association.  In  such 
a  Christian  atmosphere  and  relig- 
ious environments  the  person  of 
this  sketch  was  nurtured  into 
manhood. 

He  says  in  his  own  day  book 
concerning  his  childhood  training: 
"I  was  soon  taught  what  I  had  to 
do  to  be  saved.  In  my  twelfth  year 
I  was  convicted  of  sin  and  felt  a 
strong  desire  to  become  a  Chris- 
tian ;  but  I  did  not  yield.  These 
feelings  continued  until  my  six- 
teenth year,  when,  to  a  certain  de- 
gree, the  feelings  left  me  until  my 
twenty-first  year,  when,  under  the 
labors  of  Rev.  W.  Meier,  Jan.  17, 
1849,  I  was  gloriously  saved."  At 
once  the  minister  and  the  class- 
leader  put  him  to  religious  work. 
Already  in  the  first  year  of  his  conversion  he  was  elected  exhorter, 
which  meant  vastly  more  in  those  days  than  now.  He  soon  filled 
many  appointments  for  the  ministers  with  general  satisfaction. 
His  geniality  and  sociability  greatly  fitted  him  to  gain  access  to 
the  people's  hearts  and  win  their  confidence. 

In  1849  he  entered  the  matrimonial  life  with  Angeline  Schnei- 
der and  lived  one  year  with  her  on  the  farm  of  his  parents.  Their 
matrimonial  life  continued  happy  for  thirty-one  years  v/hen  death 
separated  them.     His  wife  was  first  converted  to  God  and  united 

140 


HENRY  L.  FISHER 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

with  the  Evangehcal  Association,  At  first  he  was  opposed  to  her 
conversion,  but  soon  thereafter,  by  the  wooings  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
he  became  convicted  of  the  error  of  his  way,  and  yielded. 

The  leading  men  in  the  church  soon  saw  the  possibilities  and 
natural  talents  of  a  preacher  in  him,  before  he  himself  could  see  it 
or  could  consider  himself  worthy  to  enter  the  ministry.  Being 
constantly  urged  to  enter  the  Gospel  ministry,  gave  him  a  great 
struggle.  He  said:  ''Many  times  I  felt  like  giving  up  the  fight, 
sometimes  being  tempted  even  to  renounce  Christianity."  He  was 
sure  of  the  high  calling,  but  felt  himself  too  unworthy  for  such  an 
important  work.  Rev.  Clewell,  who  was  then  his  pastor,  at  one 
time  said  to  him,  "You  always  see  something  worthy  and  good 
in  others,  but  not  in  yourself."  But  finally,  Jan.  1,  1857,  he  yielded 
to  the  call,  and  under  Rev.  F.  Krecker,  who  was  then  Presiding 
Elder  of  Lebanon  District,  and  Rev.  J.  Adams  and  Rev.  F.  Lehr, 
pastors,  his  recommendation  was  gotten  out,  and  in  February, 
1857,  he  was  licensed  as  local  preacher  at  the  East  Pennsylvania 
Conference,  which  was  held  in  the  First  Church  of  the  Evangel'- 
cal  Association  in  the  city  of  New  York.  Bishop  Joseph  Long  pre- 
sided and  Solomon  Neitz  was  the  secretary. 

He  served  his  class  as  exhorter  until  he  was  licensed  as  local 
preacher,  and  in  this  latter  capacity  he  continued  while  he  was 
still  farming,  not  yet  fully  realizing  that  he  was  competent  to 
enter  the  regular  ministry.  On  Sundays,  and  often  during  the 
week,  he  would  be  called  on  to  go  out  and  fill  appointments  an-i 
help  in  revival  meetings.  In  April,  1861,  he  moved  with  his  fam- 
ily to  Peru,  Ind.,  where  he  lived  one  year.  Then  he  moved  on  a 
farm  near  Waupecong,  Miami  Co.,  Ind.,  where  he  remained  only 
a  short  time,  when  the  call  to  enter  the  active  ministry  became  so 
strong  and  intense  that  he  concluded  to  resist  no  longer,  and  in 
1863  he  entered  the  active  ministry  in  the  Indiana  Conference, 
and  was  assigned  to  Waupecong  charge.  Waupecong  was  a  lit- 
tle burg  near  the  present  Zion  appointment  of  Bunker  Hill  Circuit. 

He  did  very  eflncient  and  faithful  work  in  the  Indiana  and 
South  Indiana  Conferences  as  follows :  Waupecong,  Miami  Co., 
Ind.,  in  1863,  and  was  ordained  deacon ;  Mt.  Carmel,  Wabash  Co., 
111.,  1864;  Evansville,  Ind.,  1865-66  (on  first  date  he  was  ordained 
elder)  ;  Huntingburg,  Ind.,  1867-68;  Warrington  Circuit,  now  El- 
berfeld,  Ind.,  1869-70.  In  1871  he  was  elected  Presiding  Elder 
and  assigned  to  the  Elkhart  District,  He  served  one  year,  and 
then  resigned  on  account  of  being  necessitated  to  frequently  preach 
in  the  English  language,  in  which  he  felt  he  could  not  exercise. 
His  friends  said  of  him  that  "he  was  very  modest  and  greatly 

141 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

underrated  his  talents,  especially  in  the  English  language."  The 
Conference  earnestly  protested  against  his  resignation,  believing 
that  he  was  fitted  for  the  place  and  sufficiently  qualified  in  the 
English  language  to  continue  in  the  office.  But  he  insisted  that 
the  Conference  should  accept  his  resignation,  which  the  Confer- 
ence reluctantly  did.  He  served  Evansville  Mission  again  in  1872- 
3,  and  Indianapolis  in  1874.  At  the  Conference  session  held  in 
1875  he  was  again  elected  as  Presiding  Elder  and  was  stationed 
on  Evansville  District.  In  1876  at  the  Conference  session  held  in 
Bremen,  Marshall  Co.,  Ind.,  when  the  Indiana  Conference  was 
divided  by  order  of  the  General  Conference,  held  in  October,  1875, 
Evansville  and  Olney  Districts  were  detached  from  the  Indiana 
Conference,  and  the  two  districts  constituted  the  South  Indiana 
Conference.  He  cast  his  lot  with  this  newly  formed  Conference, 
and  remained  Presiding  Elder  of  Evansville  District,  which  he 
served  very  acceptably  and  satisfactorily  until  1879,  when  he  was 
re-elected  and  assigned  to  Olney  District,  and  served  very  eflfi- 
ciently  until  his  demise,  which  occurred  June  22,  1880. 

He  preached  his  last  sermon  June  13,  1880,  when  he  held  his 
last  quarterly  meeting  on  Sandoval  Mission  in  Illinois,  near  St. 
Louis,  Mo.  His  text  was,  "One  thing  I  know,  that  whereas  T  was 
blind,  now  I  see"  (John  9:  25).  At  this  time  he  still  seemed  to 
enjoy  excellent  health  as  usual,  but  Monday,  after  his  arrival  at 
home  in  Olney,  111.,  he  began  complaining  of  not  feeling  well. 
Neither  he  nor  those  around  him  realized  any  particular  danger 
until  Sunday,  June  20,  when  appendicitis  developed  so  seriously 
that  it  was  soon  seen  that  his  life  was  in  peril.  The  illness  put 
an  end  to  his  useful  life.  His  active  earthly  career  closed  sud- 
denly to  the  great  surprise  of  all.  His  genial  spirit  took  its  flight 
to  the  celestial  abode,  there  to  resume  his  newly  assigned  work 
in  a  more  exalted  sphere  and  with  better  perfection. 

Brother  Fisher  was  a  very  useful  and  exceptionally  active 
and  wide-awake  member  of  the  Evangelical  Association  for  thirty 
years.  He  served  about  six  years  as  exhorter  in  Pennsylvania, 
six  years  as  local  preacher  in  Pennsylvania  and  Indiana,  and  sev- 
enteen years  as  itinerant  preacher,  nearly  seven  years  of  the  lat- 
ter period  as  Presiding  Elder.  He  also  represented  the  Confer- 
ence in  1875  as  one  of  the  delegates  to  General  Conference,  which 
was  held  in  Allentown,  Pa.  This  is  evidence  that  he  was  held  in 
high  esteem  by  his  brethren  and  had  their  confidence  and  good 
will.  Physically  he  was  a  well-proportioned  man  of  about  200 
pounds,  giving  him  a  commanding  appearance,  which  added  great- 
ly to  his  pulpit  eff'orts.     His  poise  was  erect  and  pleasing;    his 

142 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

voice  strong-  and  clear.  His  friends  say,  that  "he  often  became 
very  eloquent  and  oratorical  in  his  preaching."  He  would  not 
allow  himself  to  become  excited  or  be  carried  off  by  excitement 
in  the  congregations.  He  wholly  trusted  in  God.  His  demeanor 
in  and  out  of  the  pulpit  was  unassuming  and  humble ;  as  servant 
of  the  Lord  and  to  his  flock  he  was  faithful.  He  firmly  defended 
the  doctrine  of  Christ's  atonement.  He  was  thoroughly  conse- 
crated to  God  and  the  church  and  to  his  calling.  He  was  a  man 
of  a  strong  characteristic  faith  and  exemplified  it  in  his  daily 
ministrations.  His  noble  character  had  the  peculiarity  of  under- 
rating his  abilities  in  comparison  with  those  of  his  brethren ;  but 
this  really  only  added  in  making  his  life  and  character  shine  forth 
more  brightly  and  effectively.  Thus  it  may  well  be  said  that 
Brother  Fisher  was  both  a  model  Christian  and  preacher  of  the 
Gospel. 

The  funeral  service  was  conducted  in  our  Olney  Church  on 
Wednesday,  June  23,  and  his  interment  took  place  in  the  Olney 
Cemetery.  Eleven  ministerial  brethren  were  present  at  his  fu- 
neral service  and  participated  as  a  last  act  of  love  and  respect 
for  their  departed  brother. 


HARRY  W.   FISHER    (1861-1892) 

Harry,  son  of  Isaac  and  Katherin  Fisher,  was  born  in  Tus- 
carawas Co.,  Ohio,  Sept.  14,  1861,  and  departed  this  life  near 
Kokomo,  Ind.,  March  3,  1892.  He  spent  his  early  days  at  the 
place  of  his  birth.  In  '74,  his  father  and  family  moved  to  Howard 
County,  Indiana,  to  a  farm,  8  miles  north-east  of  Kokomo,  near 
the  Zion  Evangelical  Church,  where  he  grew  to  manhood. 

In  '76,  he  was  converted  to  God,  under  the  labors  of  A.  J. 
Troyer,  and  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Church.  He  at  once 
took  an  active  interest  in  the  work  of  the  church,  and  by  his 
faithfulness  soon  won  the  confidence  of  the  people,  both  in  and 
out  of  the  church.  Perceiving  the  call  of  God  to  preach,  he  en- 
tered North-Western  College  and  the  Union  Biblical  Institute, 
and  while  here  he  acquitted  himself  so  ably  that  he  was  elected 
president  of  the  college  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  for 
one  year.  After  having  finished  his  course  in  the  Union  Biblical 
Institute  in  June,  1889,  he  entered  upon  the  active  work  of  the 
Christian  ministry  within  the  bounds  of  the  Indiana  Conference. 
He  was  sent  to  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  as  missionary,  where  the  Con- 
ference had  taken  up  a  mission  that  had  been  begun  by  Rev.  D. 

143 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

J.  Pontius  with  some  of  our  church  people  from  the  North.  Here 
he  served  with  success  one  year.  In  1890  he  was  assigned  to 
Huntington,  Ind,,  where  his  health  began  to  fail,  and  he  was 
obliged  to  resign  his  work,  which  he  did  with  great  reluctance, 
in  order  to  try  a  milder  climate  for  recuperation.  His  affliction 
came  on  by  a  very  severe  cold  he  contracted  at  the  Conference  ses- 
sion, held  at  Portland,  Ind.,  April,  1890.  Coming  up  from  the  balmy 
atmosphere  of  Cleveland,  Tenn.,  the  weather  being  cold  and  damp 
at  Portland,  he  was  thoroughly  chilled ;  adding  greatly  to  his  dis- 
comfort, he  was  obliged  to  sleep  up-stairs,  far  away  from  the  fire, 
in  a  damp  room,  and  with  insufficient  covering. 

He  went  to  Texas  for  recovery,  so  that  he  soon  might  take  up 
the  work  again.  For  a  while  he  seemed  to  be  improving,  and  had 
hope.  But  in  the  winter  of  1892,  having  had  several  relapses,  rap- 
idly growing  weaker,  he  was  obliged  to  cease  all  mental  and  physi- 
cal labors,  and  on  Feb.  9  he  came  home  to  his  parents  to  spend 
his  few  remaining  days.  Why  this  young  servant  should  so  soon 
be  called  from  labor  to  reward  remains  a  mystery.  By  his  death 
his  parents  and  the  Conference  lost  a  true  and  loyal  son.  About 
two  weeks  before  his  death  he  said  to  his  brother.  Rev.  A.  S., 
"that  he  had  given  up  to  die,  that  he  longed  to  go  home  to  rest, 
for  this  world  had  no  more  charms  for  hi]!!."  The  funeral  was 
held  by  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  assisted  by  the  pastor,  C.  F.  W. 
Hansing.  His  body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Zion  Cemetery.  He 
was  survived  by  his  parents,  two  brothers  and  two  sisters. 


JOSEPH  FISHER 


JOSEPH  FISHER    (1821-1892) 

Joseph  Fisher  was  born  of  good  par- 
entage. May  the  27th,  1821,  York  Co.,  Pa. 
His  ancestors  were  of  substantial  German 
stock,  early  moving  to  this  country  and 
settling  in  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania. 
His  father,  George,  was  a  highly  respected 
farmer,  and  for  many  years  a  justice  of 
the  peace.  He  was  a  careful  churchman, 
rearing  his  family  in  the  tenets  of  his 
faith,  but,  for  many  years,  was  a  stranger 
to  experimental  religion,  and  an  opponent 
to  all  forms  of  emotionalism.  Later  in  life 
he,  hovv^ever,  experienced  vital  religion, 
and  found  the  Lord  precious  to  his  soul. 

Joseph  was  the  youngest  of  the  sons, 
144 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

and  when  his  older  brothers  left  the  home,  he  had  the  care  of  the 
farm.  He  was  of  a  jovial  disposition,  buoyant  in  spirit,  reveling  in 
fun  and  frolic. 

In  1844  he  found  a  noble  wife  in  Lydia  Grove,  who  for  fifty 
years  was  the  anchor  and  balance  of  his  life.  It  was  not  until 
after  his  marriage  that  he  was  deeply  convicted  of  his  sinfulness 
and  converted  to  God.  It  was  in  a  plain  school-house,  way  back 
in  Carrol  Co.,  Maryland,  that  he  heard  the  Spirit's  call.  Soma 
preachers  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  were  holding  a  meet- 
ing in  this  place,  and  he  was  among  those  that  found  the  Lord. 
In  his  old  age  he  gladly  testified  thus  to  this  great  event:  "The 
Lord  wonderfully  and  powerfully  saved  me,  about  12  o'clock  at 
night.  I  was  able  to  shout  'Glory  to  God!'  "  Soon  thereafter  he 
united  with  the  United  Brethren  Church,  and  it  was  not  long 
until  it  was  manifest  to  all  that  the  Lord  was  calling  him  to 
special  service.  One  year  after  his  conversion  he  was  licensed 
as  an  exhorter,  and  2  years  later  as  a  preacher  on  probation.  In 
the  spring  of  1850  he  removed  to  Clarkesville,  Hamilton  Co., 
Ind.,  and  in  the  same  year,  with  his  brother-in-law,  M.  W.  Stef- 
fey,  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association  at  E.  Germantown, 
Indiana. 

He  was  received  into  the  itinerancy  in  June  of  the  same  year 
by  the  Illinois  Conference,  and  stationed  on  the  Miami  Mission. 
This  mission  field  extended  into  the  counties  of  Miami,  Wabash, 
Fulton  and  Huntington,  the  nearest  appointment  being  fifty  miles 
from  his  home.  The  roads  were  mostly  all  bad,  the  membership 
small,  and  the  salary  smaller  still.  For  weeks  at  a  time  he  was 
away  from  his  family,  who  very  seldom  knew  just  where  he  might 
be  in  his  travels  and  labors.  His  first  year's  work  resulted  in  18 
conversions  and  20  accessions. 

During  the  year  it  was  his  privilege  to  make  the  acquaintance 
of  Bishop  Seybert,  and  also  that  of  J.  J.  Esher,  of  Elkhart  Cir- 
cuit. These  great  men  of  God  he  met  at  a  camp-meeting,  con- 
cerning which  he  writes:  "I  had  traveled  on  horseback  several 
days,  often  stopping  to  dismount  for  prayer,  my  mind  being  mucn 
occupied  and  somewhat  agitated  with  what  I  may  meet,  being 
a  total  stranger  to  the  brethren.  About  noon  on  the  third  day, 
all  dusty  and  weary,  I  arrived,  introduced  myself,  and,  to  my 
glad  surprise,  was  cordially  received.  Presently  I  was  informed 
that  I  was  to  preach  that  same  night.  I  can  assure  you  that  1 
was  greatly  perturbed,  knowing  that  much  depended  upon  the 
first  impression  that  I  would  make.  I  went  to  God  in  earnest 
prayer,   and   sought  divine  help.     Nor  was   my   seeking  in   vain, 

145 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

for  when  the  appointed  time  arrived,  I  took  for  my  text  Ps.  128 : 
1,  2,  and  was  not  preaching  very  long  until  I  felt  the  nearness 
of  divine  presence.  Bishop  Seybert  responded  in  his  quaint,  ear- 
nest way,  which  was  peculiar  to  himself  when  he  enjoyed  a  ser- 
mon. I  felt  as  though  the  Lord  had  given  me  victory,  and  now 
I  was  in  full  accord  with  the  brethren." 

In  June,  1851,  he  was  sent  to  Elkhart  Circuit,  under  the 
charge  of  Rev.  Ragatz.  He  moved  his  family  to  Elkhart,  Indiana. 
This  year,  he  says,  "was  a  very  dull  year  to  him,"  nothing  seemed 
to  be  accomplished.  The  next  year,  when  the  Indiana  Conference 
was  formed,  he  united  with  it,  and  was  again  assigned  to  Elkhart 
Circuit,  with  B.  Ruh  as  assistant.  It  was  a  great  year  for  this 
servant  of  God ;  the  work  grew  in  every  direction.  Souls  were 
saved  by  the  score,  and  63  united  with  the  church.  The  circuit 
was  extended  over  eight  counties  in  Indiana  and  into  southern 
Michigan.  In  1854  he  was  appointed  to  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit,  which 
meant  a  300-mile  move  per  wagon.  But  in  this  and  the  next 
year  he  had  nearly  forty  conversions,  and  a  greater  number  of 
accessions.  The  next  year  brought  him  to  Evansville  Mission, 
which  was  one  of  his  hardest  years.  He  had  but  five  conversions, 
and  a  salary  so  small  that  he  had  to  borrow  money  to  complete 
the  year.  While  here  he  built  a  parsonage,  doing  most  of  the 
work  with  his  own  hands.  Again  he  was  returned  to  Mt.  Carmel, 
and  in  15  months  106  united  with  the  church.  July  5th,  1856,  he 
held  the  first  Evangelical  class-meeting  for  our  people  in  West 
Salem ;  Nov.  4th,  he  delivered  the  first  German  sermon  in  Enter- 
prise, 111. ;  on  Dec.  20th,  he  conducted  the  first  prayer-meeting  in 
Carmi.  At  Carmi  a  powerful  revival  occurred,  which  resulted 
in  40  conversions  and  as  many  accessions.  A  church  building  was 
soon  in  progress,  which  was  dedicated  August  16  of  this  same 
year.  At  this  same  meeting  J.  M.  Gomer  and  M.  Speck  were  con- 
verted and  united  with  the  church.  Persecution  soon  followed, 
the  enemies  pelting  and  injuring  our  people  with  stones.  In  1857- 
58  he  was  stationed  on  South  Bend  Circuit,  during  which  time 
the  Portage  Prairie  and  Bainbridge  Churches  were  built,  and 
129  souls  were  saved  and  united  with  the  church. 

The  next  eight  years  Brother  Fisher  served  as  Presiding  El- 
der, serving  on  the  St.  Joseph  and  Whitewater  Districts.  His 
work  as  a  Presiding  Elder  was  highly  efficient  and  greatly  appre- 
ciated. Together  with  M.  Mayer,  he  organized  the  first  Evangeli- 
cal society  in  Louisville,  Ky.  In  1867-68  he  served  Elkhart,  Ger- 
man Mission,  having  104  conversions,  and  building  the  brick 
church  on  Division  St.     For  three  years  he  remained  in  a  local  re- 

146 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

lation,  but  in  the  spring  of  1872  filled  a  vacancy  on  the  Elkhart 
Circuit.  In  1874-5  he  served  Watchtower  society  in  Elkhart, 
which  society  was  formed  largely  by  his  previous  eff'orts  and  in- 
spiration. He  then  served  the  following  fields:  Decatur,  Ft. 
Wayne,  Indianapolis,  Ft.  Wayne,  Huntington,  Kendallville,  and, 
lastly,  Logansport.  At  Indianapolis  and  Kendallville  he  built 
churches  and  parsonages. 

Several  times  he  had  the  honor  of  being  delegate  to  General 
Conference,  and  also  of  being  a  member  of  the  Executive  Commit- 
tee of  Plainfield  College.  For  eleven  years  he  was  vice-president 
of  the  Indiana  Conference. 

AN  APPRECIATION 

Brother  Fisher  was  a  strong  man  physically,  mentally  and 
spiritually.  Gifted  with  a  robust  body,  a  fine  military  bearing, 
he  had  a  commanding  appearance  that  proved  a  great  asset  in  his 
work.  Nor  were  his  mental  faculties  in  arrears.  Denied  a  large 
school  training,  he,  nevertheless,  was  a  studious  and  energetic 
searcher  after  truth.  His  scope  of  knowledge  was  such  that  he 
could  command  any  situation  in  which  he  found  himself.  As  a 
pulpiteer,  he  was  practical,  exhortative  and  altogether  biblical. 
His  sonorous  voice  greatly  aided  his  vivid  portrayals  of  sin,  judg- 
ment to  come  and  heaven  to  enjoy,  and  in  his  earliest  years  was 
regarded  as  the  most  successful  revivalist  in  the  Conference.  San- 
guine, buoyant,  the  youngest  man  in  the  Conference  for  his  age,  he 
was  naturally  sociable  and  a  warm  friend  to  those  whom  he  trusted. 
At  times  he  did  have  his  discouraging  moments,  but  they  were 
only  for  a  season.  Positive  in  his  convictions,  yet  he  was  ever 
open  to  reason  and  persuasion. 

He  was  patriotic  almost  to  a  fault.  During  the  Civil  War 
his  sympathies  would  run  away  with  him,  and  he  would  give  vent 
to  his  beliefs,  often  to  his  own  detriment.  No  one  ever  doubted 
his  sincerity.  His  greatest  joy  was  that  his  two  sons  followed 
him  into  the  ministry  and  preached  his  same  Christ. 

OBSEQUIES 

He  retired  at  the  close  of  his  4th  year  in  Logansport,  and  re- 
mained in  that  city.  Here  his  wife  died  in  December,  1894.  And 
here  he  also  married  Martha  Bortner  in  1895.  In  the  spring  of 
1897  his  last  illness  began,  which  brought  with  it  great  sufferings. 
On  August  2,  1897,  his  release  came,  and  triumphantly  he  as- 
cended on  high. 

147 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Rev.  D.  S.  Oakes,  his  spiritual  son,  conducted  the  funeral 
services,  assisted  by  other  ministers  of  the  Conference.  Inter- 
ment was  made  in  the  Logansport  Cemetery. 


GERHART  H.  FRANZEN  (1818-1881) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Schale,  Teaklenburg, 
Prussia,  December  29,  1818,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1835. 
He  had  been  carefully  reared  in  the  Reformed  Church,  but,  com- 
ing under  the  preaching  of  Evangelical  preachers  in  Des  Plaines, 
111.,  1840,  was  converted  to  God.  Here  he  also  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association.  June,  1851,  he  was  licensed  by  the  Illi- 
nois Conference  as  a  preacher  on  probation,  assigning  him  at  the 
same  time  with  John  Riegel  to  Naperville  Circuit. 

At  the  organization  of  the  Indiana  Conference  he  became  a 
charter  member  and  was  stationed  with  Peter  Burgener  to  Du- 
bois Circuit  in  southern  Indiana.  After  one  year  he  asked  for  his 
credentials  in  order  that  he  might  return  to  the  Illinois  Confer- 
ence. Here  he  served  a  few  charges,  and,  as  far  as  can  be  ascer- 
tained, were :  Waukesha,  Milwaukee  and  Cedar  River  Mission. 
After  this  he  evidently  located,  as  his  name  does  not  again  occur 
in  the  minutes  of  the  Illinois  Conference.  It  is  said  of  him  that 
he  was  in  a  local  relation  26  years,  seldom  preached  after  locat- 
ing, never  married,  and  although  he  had  much  of  this  world's 
goods,  he  did  not  enjoy  the  grace  of  giving. 

He  died,  suddenly,  August  1,  1881,  in  Rock  Run,  Stephenson 
Co.,  Illinois,  where  his  body  also  has  been  interred. 


GEORGE   W.   FREEHAFER    (1843-1910) 

George  W.  Freehafer  was  born  Dec.  11,  1843,  at  Wooster, 
Ohio,  and,  by  accident,  was  ushered  into  eternity,  Oct.  1,  1910,  at 
Dayton,  Ohio.  His  body  was  laid  away  in  the  beautiful  Woodland 
Cemetery  at  Dayton.  George  was  converted  to  God  when  but  12 
years  old,  at  the  Leininger  class  of  the  Evangelical  Association, 
near  Huntington,  Ind.,  and  united  with  the  church.  His  parents 
were  converted  at  the  same  time.  He  received  his  recommendation 
to  preach  from  his  class  at  South  Bend,  in  '71,  and  in  September 
received  his  license  from  the  Indiana  Conference.  He  was  or- 
dained as  deacon  and  received  into  the  itinerancy,  '74,  and  as  elder 
in  '76. 

He  was  descended  from  Germans,  who  settled  early  in  Penn- 

148 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


sylvania,  but  George's  parents  moved  to  Wayne  Co.,  Ohio,  near 
Wooster,  when  he  was  20  years  old.  Of  him  it  is  said  "that  he  had 
a  good  German  education."  When 
he  was  21  years  old  he  started  to 
school  with  an  English  spelling- 
book.  Here  he  also  married  and 
lived  for  some  years.  Later  they 
moved  into  Wooster.  In  1847  they 
started  on  their  journey  to  near 
Huntington,  Ind.,  in  a  covered 
wagon,  with  an  ox-team,  until 
they  reached  a  place  called  Mau- 
mee,  on  the  canal.  Here  his  fa- 
ther placed  his  family  onto  a  ca- 
nal-boat, while  the  ox-team 
hauled  the  household  goods.  At 
the  conclusion  of  this  canal  trip, 
George  came  near  losing  his  life 
by  an  accident  he  never  forgot. 
While  his  uncle  David  lifted  him 
from  the  boat  to  the  dock  he  al- 
most dropped  him  into  the  canal. 
His  father  had  previouslv 
bought  80  acres  of  heavy  timber-  George  w.  freehafer 

land,  4  miles  north-east  of  Huntington,  without  buildings.  When 
he  arrived  here  with  his  family,  a  spot  was  cleared  away  of  its 
timber,  and  a  crude  log  cabin  was  put  up  in  post-haste.  The  floor 
was  made  of  flat  slabs,  split  from  logs,  which  made  it  quite  un- 
even. Later,  a  hewed  log  house,  with  sawed  floor  boards,  was  put 
up.  In  this  humble  manner  George  grew  to  manhood,  doing  hard 
physical  work,  with  but  little  to  inspire  his  fertile  mind. 


HIS  ACTIVITIES  AND   MARRIAGE 

At  the  age  of  18  he  took  to  carpenter  work,  and  followed  it 
for  three  years.  At  21  years  he  entered  the  Roanoke  Seminary 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  remaining  one  year.  After  this 
he  taught  school  for  several  winters,  and  during  the  summer 
worked  at  his  trade.  Later  he  took  a  course  of  "book-keeping"  at 
"Eastman  National  Business  College"  in  Chicago,  111.  From  here 
he  returned  home,  but  soon  after,  in  1866,  he  went  to  South  Bend, 
Ind.,  and  found  work  at  carpentering.  Rev.  M.  W.  Steff"ey  was 
then  pastor  of  our  Evangelical  Church  here,  and  he  became  a 
member  of  his  church.     He  also  formed  the  acquaintance  of  his 

149 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

daughter  Sarah,  which  ended  in  a  wedding,  April  23,  1867.  Being 
ambitious,  they  purchased  a  lot  here,  and  built  a  small  house  on 
it,  which  became  the  birthplace  of  their  children.  During  this 
time  he  was  engaged  as  cabinet-maker,  with  the  exception  of  one 
year,  when  he  worked  in  the  "Studebaker  Bros.  Wagon  Works." 

HIS   MINISTERIAL  LIFE 

After  his  conversion  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  religious  work 
and  gradually  developed  into  an  active  and  influential  Christian. 
In  course  of  time  the  call  to  preach  came.  He  obeyed  and  conse- 
crated himself  to  God  for  this  work,  and  was  licensed  to  preach 
in  1871.  He  served  the  following  fields:  St,  Mary's  Circuit,  1872- 
4;  Noblesville,  1874-5;  Kendallville,  1875-7;  Waterloo,  1877-9.  On 
the  Kendallville  charge,  at  Dutch  class,  near  Wolcottville,  Ind., 
he  took  a  severe  cold,  which  lodged  in  his  throat,  and  which  he 
could  not  overcome.  His  voice  finally  failed  him  entirely,  so  he 
could  not  talk  above  a  whisper.  This  brought  on  a  "nervous  break- 
down." 

LOCATED,   DUE   TO   BODILY    INFIRMITIES 

In  April,  1879,  he  located  and  moved  back  to  South  Bend,  but 
on  Aug.  9  of  this  year  he  moved  with  his  family  to  York,  Neb., 
for  his  health.  Here  he  began  farming  and  carpentering.  His 
general  health  began  improving.  But  owing  to  the  great  droughts 
and  high  winds  that  were  so  prevalent,  he  returned  with  his  fam- 
ily to  South  Bend,  having  first  stopped  in  Chicago  for  six  months. 
Four  years  were  spent  in  South  Bend,  while  he  was  engaged  in  meat 
business.     This  venture  resulted  in  a  financial  failure. 

In  1884  he  located  in  Indianapolis,  where  they  resided  13 
years.  He  engaged  as  traveling  salesman  for  the  "Indianapolis 
Chair  Co."  This  work  took  him  all  over  the  eastern  and  south- 
eastern part  of  the  United  States,  from  the  northern  Atlantic 
Ocean  down  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  to  New  Orleans.  In  this  work 
he  was  very  successful  from  the  start,  earning  enough  that  he 
could  pay  every  dollar  of  his  indebtedness  contracted  in  his  meat 
business.  By  the  economic  co-operation  of  his  wife,  denying  herself 
of  many  luxuries,  they  accumulated  enough  money  to  have  kept 
them  to  old  age  if  it  had  so  been  the  Lord's  will. 

When  the  panic  of  1893  was  on  he  was  out  of  work,  and  then 
found  a  position  as  clerk  in  the  court-house  of  Marion  Co.,  Ind. 
After  two  years,  by  a  change  of  administration,  he  was  again  out 
of  employment.  The  "Kimmel  and  Freehafer  Real  Estate"  busi- 
ness having  grown  to  such  an  extent,  that  his  son  could  no  longer 
collect  the  rents. in  the  "Rental  Department,"  and  look  after  other 

150 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

duties,  he  was  employed  as  collector  of  rents,  and  moved  to  Day- 
ton in  1898,  at  which  work  he  accidentally  met  his  death. 

Brother  Freehafer  had  a  very  genial  disposition,  a  striking 
personality,  and  possessed  sterling  qualities.  This  made  him 
friends  everywhere  in  the  ministry,  in  his  travels,  and  wherever 
he  lived.  "He  was  one  of  the  best  known  men  on  the  streets  of 
Dayton,  having  ridden  the  bicycle  for  nearly  13  years  all  over  the 
town.  He  lived  a  pure  life  inwardly  and  outwardly.  He  never 
used  the  filthy  weed,  never  drank  intoxicating  liquors,"  As  a  minis- 
ter and  pastor  he  was  conscientious,  faithful  and  earnest.  His 
work  was  crowned  with  success.  "His  judgment  was  good,  he 
worked  zealously,  and  always  had  a  noble  aim  and  spirit  in  his 
religious  work,  and  was  honest  in  his  business  affairs.  He  was  a 
man  of  God."  His  preaching  was  simple,  practical  and  full 
of  divine  unction,  which  made  him  a  successful  soul-winner.  A 
fellow  church-member  said  of  him:  "He  was  a  man  true  to  his 
convictions,  afi:able  in  disposition,  pure  in  his  public  and  private 
life,  and  was  an  earnest  and  devoted  Christian." 


GEO.  FREDERICK  (1831-1905) 

Brother  Fredrick  was  born  in  Stark  Co.,  Ohio,  April  1,  1831, 
and  died  near  Hudson,  Ind.,  April  30,  1905.  He  was  converted 
to  God  and  joined  the  Evangelical  Association  in  1851,  and  lived 
in  the  faith  until  his  death.  He  farmed  near  Hudson  until  his 
age  obliged  him  to  quit.  Then  he  moved  to  town.  He  filled  various 
ofl^ces  in  the  local  church,  called  "County  Line,"  in  an  acceptable 
way.  In  1865  he  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  He 
never  traveled,  but  rendered  valuable  service  in  his  younger  days 
at  home  and  adjoining  fields.  Later  he  was  also  ordained  as  dea- 
con. He  M^as  an  inspiration  to  the  ministers  of  his  society,  and 
shared  his  home  and  comforts  with  them.  He  was  quite  pro- 
nounced in  his  convictions,  and  quite  strenuously  adhered  to  them. 
He  was  a  respected  neighbor  and  citizen.  He  was  survived  by  his 
wife,  8  sons  and  4  daughters.  D.  Martz  conducted  the  funeral 
services,  assisted  by  W.  H.  Freshley.  His  body  is  interred  in  the 
County  Line  Cemetery,  west  of  Hudson. 


DAVID  GARL   (1825-1863) 

Brother  Garl  was  born  July  29,  1825,  and  died  March  25, 
1863.  in  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind.  He  lies  buried  in  the  Smith  (Salem 
Church)   Cemetery,  north-west  of  Elkhart  city.     He  was  survived 

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by  his  wife  and  five  children,  two  having  preceded  him  in  death. 
He  had  a  common  school  education,  and  was  reared  on  a  farm. 
In  his  17th  year  he  was  converted  to  God  and  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association.  It  is  said  of  him  "that  he  lived  a  truly 
pious  life."  He  spent  his  last  days  by  praising  the  grace  of  God. 
One  of  his  last  words  was,  "0  Jesus,  come  soon  and  take  me 
home."  He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Indiana  Conference  in 
1856.  He  served  two  years  in  the  active  work,  and  four  as  local 
preacher,  and  preached  according  to  his  ability.  He  was  never 
ordained. 


CHRISTIAN   GLAUS    (1818-1875) 

Canton  of  Berne,  Switzerland,  gave  birth  to  the  subject  of 
this  writing,  June  11,  1818.  From  his  earliest  youth.  Brother 
Glaus  experienced  unusual  hardships  and  trials.  His  school  op- 
portunities were  very  limited,  and  at  best  he  was  not  a  very 
bright  student.  So  manual  labor  seemed  the  wisest  thing  for  him 
to  pursue,  and  early  he  became  a  shepherd  of  sheep  and  goats. 
Arriving  at  manhood,  he  immigrated  to  America,  and  settled  in 
Marion  Co.,  Ohio,  where  he  came  under  the  influence  of  Evangeli- 
cal preaching  and  was  converted  to  God. 

HIS  CALL  TO  PREACH  AND  HIS  MINISTRY 

Shortly  after  his  conversion  he  deeply  realized  a  clear  call 
from  God  to  preach  the  Gospel,  to  which  he  finally  yielded.  He 
gave  himself  wholly  to  the  Lord  for  the  work  of  ministering.  He 
was  duly  licensed  by  the  Ohio  Conference  in  1843,  and  received 
into  the  itinerancy.  He  was  assigned  to  Wayne  Circuit, 
with  Peter  Goetz  as  preacher-in-charge,  and  to  the  surprise  of 
all,  did  effective  work.  He  applied  himself  and  plodded  to  suc- 
cess. Some  folks  who  knew  him  in  the  fatherland,  when  they 
heard  that  he  was  preaching,  said,  "What  does  this  little  goat- 
shepherd  know,  what  can  he  do?"  But  when  they  heard  him  they 
marvelled  at  his  wisdom,  his  fluency  of  speech,  and  began  to  look 
up  to  him,  and  use  only  the  highest  terms  in  speaking  of  him. 

At  the  organization  of  the  Illinois  Conference  he  became  a  charter 
member  and  successively  and  successfully  served  the  following  cir- 
cuits :  Rock  River,  St.  Mary's,  Elkhart,  Whitewater,  Mt,  Carmel,  Du- 
bois, These  he  served  with  great  blessing,  however  hindered  quite 
often  by  bodily  infirmities.  He  was  slender  in  build  and  weak  in  con- 
stitution, yet  withal  possessing  a  willing  spirit  and  anxious  to 
serve  in  the  hard  places.  For  two  years  he  found  it  necessary  to 
locate, 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

At  the  formation  of  the  Indiana  Conference  he  took  up  work 
again,  and  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Presiding  Elder,  which  office 
he  filled  with  credit  for  three  years.  He  found  it  necessary  to  re- 
sign, however,  at  the  end  of  this  time,  on  account  of  extreme 
deafness,  which  was  contracted  by  much  exposure  to  the  elements 
in  his  travels. 

He  served  the  most  important  fields  in  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence with  credit  and  efl"ectiveness.  As  a  minister  and  pastor,  he 
was  active,  aggressive  and  a  true  shepherd  of  souls.  As  a  preacher 
he  was  unctuous,  instructive  and  helpful.  In  character  he  was 
unimpeachable.  In  disposition,  aff'able,  unassuming,  somewhat  re- 
tiring, universally  beloved  and  esteemed.  In  labor  he  was  untir- 
ing, always  earnest,  conscientious,  punctual  and  orderly.  In  con- 
versation he  was  thoughtful,  opposed  to  flattery,  bombast  or  af- 
fectation. He  hated  levity  and  talebearing,  and  recommended  a 
better  example  to  those  who  gave  themselves  to  criticising  the 
faults  of  others. 

He  served  the  following  fields :  Wabash  Circuit,  1852-5 ;  Elk- 
hart Circuit,  1855-6;  Whitewater,  1856-7;  Miami  Circuit,  1857-9; 
Newville  Circuit,  1859-61;  Huntingburg,  1861-3;  Warrenton  (now 
Elberfeld),  1863-5;  Mt.  Carmel,  1865-6;  Olney,  1866-8;  South 
Bend,  1868-70;  Yellow  River  Circuit,  1870-2;  Bremen  Circuit, 
1872-3;  Newville,  1873-5. 

The  last  two  years  of  his  active  ministry  were  filled  with  in- 
tense sufi'erings.  He  was  advised  on  all  hands  to  locate  and  take 
things  a  little  easier  until  he  could  get  relief,  but  he  worked  on 
until  the  end.  A  lingering  illness  brought  his  labors  to  a  close, 
and,  after  much  sufi'ering,  he  ascended  on  high,  amid  the  triumphs 
of  faith,  Dec.  12,  1885,  at  Marion,  Ohio.  His  body  was  interred 
at  Marion,  Ohio. 

His  good  wife,  who  was  a  Heverling,  whom  he  married  in 
June,  1858,  and  nine  children  that  were  given  to  them,  survived 
him. 


HENRY  COCKER   (1870-1915) 

Brother  Gocker  was  born  July  12,  1870,  in  Colmar,  Alsace, 
and  peacefully  passed  away  in  Elberfeld,  Ind.,  Feb.  19,  1915.  At 
this  place  his  body  was  also  interred.  He  is  survived  by  his  wife, 
2  sons  and  3  daughters,  and  parents,  one  brother  and  two  sisters. 
Two  children  preceded  him  in  death.  He  came  to  America  with 
his  parents  in  1881.     They  settled  first  in  Chicago,  111.;  after  one 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


year  they  moved  to  Kankakee,  111.,  where  they  abode  three  years, 
and  then  removed  to  Enterprise,  111. 

HIS   CONVERSION   AND   EDUCATION 

His  mother  was  converted  in  Chicago.  Henry  and  his  father 
bowed   at  the  altar  at  the  same  time,   in   Enterprise,   under  the 

labors  of  C.  Wessling  and  Jacob 
Mode,  when  they  both  found 
light  and  forgiveness.  They  both 
joined  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion at  Enterprise. 

His  educational  advantages 
were  limited.  He  obtained  a  good 
start  in  Alsace  in  Germany.  In 
Chicago  he  attended  the  public 
school,  and  for  the  next  few  years 
he  was  allowed  to  go  to  school  in 
the  winter  when  the  weather  was 
unfit  to  work  on  the  farm.  In 
1892  he  attended  the  winter  term 
at  North-Western  College,  work- 
ing his  way  through  as  best  he 
could,  and  borrowed  the  money 
to  pay  the  rest  of  his  expenses.  At 
this  time  he  tried  very  hard  to  plan  a  way  of  getting  a  better  educa- 
tion, but  all  plans  failed.  He  had  no  resources,  and  so  he  was  com- 
pelled to  go  back  to  farming.  But  he  believed  the  Lord  knew  what 
was  best  for  him,  and  so  submitted  to  the  inevitable.  He  often  said, 
"I  could  not  depend  on  my  education,  but  when  the  Lord  gave  me 
grace  I  could  preach,  and  when  he  did  not,  I  failed." 

HIS  CALL  TO  PREACH  AND  MINISTERIAL  WORK 

After  his  conversion,  Henry  took  an  active  part  in  the  Lord's 
work.  He  made  commendable  progress,  and  soon  felt  it  his  duty 
to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  His  parents  having  moved  15 
miles  from  Enterprise,  he  could  not  often  go  to  the  prayer-meet- 
ings. So  he  started  a  cottage  prayer-meeting  where  they  lived,  and 
served  as  class-leader.  He  also  started  a  Sunday-school  at  their 
school-house,  and  had  the  superintendency  of  it.  He  felt  he  must 
be  about  his  Master's  business,  and  tried  to  make  himself  useful 
wherever  he  had  an  opportunity.  He  found  great  joy  in  this  work. 
There  seems  not  to  have  been  any  doubt  in  his  mind  but  that  God 
called  him  to  preach.     He  yielded  at  once.     He  had  a  passion  for 

154 


HENRY  COCKER 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

souls.  His  life  evidenced  it  clearly.  He  often  said  while  in  the 
ministry,  ''There  is  nothing  I  would  rather  do  than  to  stand  be- 
hind the  sacred  desk  and  preach  the  Gospel,"  The  pulpit  was  his 
throne. 

The  Enterprise  class  recommended  him  to  Conference  to  give 
him  license  to  preach,  which  was  granted  by  the  Conference,  held 
in  Dayton,  O.,  April,  1893.  He  was  then  assigned  to  Phillipsburg 
charge,  and  served  it  with  success.  In  April,  1896,  he  was  sent 
to  West  Salem  and  had  65  conversions,  and  was  returned  in  1897. 
In  1898  he  was  assigned  to  Grayville,  111.,  and  served  it  four  years 
with  blessed  results.  In  1902  he  was  sent  to  Elberfeld,  where  he 
served  3  years.  Here  his  health  began  to  fail,  and,  therefore,  lo- 
cated one  year,  and  moved  on  a  farm  near  Elberfeld.  In  1906 
he  resumed  the  Gospel  work,  and  again  had  West  Salem  assigned  to 
him.  which  he  served  2  years.  His  health  again  gave  way,  and  he 
located  and  moved  back  on  a  farm  near  Elberfeld  in  April,  1908. 
Here  he  remained  farming,  and,  later,  mining  in  a  coal  mine  until 
November,  1911,  when  he  accepted  a  call  to  Davenport,  Washing- 
ton Conference.  The  change  of  climate  was  beneficial  to  his  health 
for  a  while,  but  in  course  of  time  again  failed  him.  He  served 
Davenport  until  Dec.  27,  1914,  when  he  preached  his  last  sermon. 
He  preached  14  years  in  the  Indiana  Conference,  and  3  years 
in  the  Washington  Conference,  and  was  4  years  in  the  local  re- 
lation. 

He  was  very  conscientious  in  his  work,  faithfully  filled  his 
appointments  regardless  of  bad  weather.  He  sacrificed  his  life 
for  Christ's  sake.  He  led  several  hundred  souls  to  Christ,  and 
there  was  not  a  year  that  he  failed  to  win  some.  Even  yet,  in  No- 
vember and  December,  1914,  he  held  a  very  successful  revival  on  his 
charge,  and  won  several  for  Christ.  His  preaching  was  simple,  but 
biblical,  earnest,  unctuous,  and  often  overpowering.  He  was  also  of 
a  jovial  disposition,  which  he  controlled  properly,  and  made  it  a 
blessing  to  young  and  old.  He  often  had  great  victory  in  his  soul, 
especially,  in  revival  meetings,  which  found  expression  in  shouts 
and  hallelujahs. 

He  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Dassel,  of  Elberfeld,  Ind.,  June 
11,  1896,  C.  F,  Hansing,  Presiding  Elder,  tying  the  nuptial  knot. 
Seven  children  were  born  to  them.  His  ailment  was  of  a  nervous 
affection,  which  developed  into  a  complication  of  diseases.  His 
health  became  seriously  impaired  in  October,  1914,  when  the  doc- 
tor gave  him  little  hope  of  recovery.  In  January,  1915,  he  decided 
to  take  his  family  back  to  Elberfeld,  and  arrived  here  Jan.  30,  and 
on  Feb.  18,  about  midnight,  his  spirit  departed.     He  made  his  own 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

funeral  arrangements  shortly  before  death.  He  was  conscious  to 
the  end.  His  last  words  were,  "I  am  going  home  to  glory.  Hal- 
lelujah!" He  suffered  much  in  his  ailments,  but  bore  it  patiently 
and  uncomplainingly.  In  the  spring  of  1914  he  w^as  elected  Branch 
Young  People's  Alliance  president  of  Eastern  Washington  Con- 
ference. He  was  ordained  as  deacon  in  1895,  and  as  elder  in  1897. 
On  Feb.  22  funeral  services  were  held  by  his  Presiding  Elder,  J.  J. 
Wise,  assisted  by  G.  A.  Stierle,  M.  L.  Scheidler  and  G.  F.  Winter. 


PETER  GOETZ   (1807-1882) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  Feb.  27,  1807,  in  Ross  Co.,  Ohio, 
and  closed  his  earthly  life  near  West  Liberty,  Iowa,  Feb.  18,  1882. 
Peter  Goetz,  sometimes  written  Gates,  was  a  pioneer  preacher  in 
the  Ohio,  Illinois  and  the  Indiana  Conferences.  For  some  twenty- 
five  years  he  bore  the  brunt  of  pioneer  life  as  an  itinerant,  under- 
going all  manner  of  hardships  for  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  He  was 
a  faithful  servant  of  the  Cross,  energetically  forging  ahead  with 
the  message  of  salvation.  Many  new  fields  were  opened  by  his 
ministry,  and  of  him  it  can  be  truly  said,  "One  sows  and  another 
reaps."    "They  have  labored,  and  we  have  entered  into  their  labor." 

The  following  fields,  all  of  them  circuits,  were  served  by  h^'m : 
Wayne,  1843;  Greenville,  1844;  Pickaway,  1845;  Lancaster, 
1846-7;  Miami,  1848;  St.  Mary's,  1849;  Fulton,  1851.  Then  he 
became  a  charter  member  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  serving 
Whitewater,  1852 ;  Fulton,  1853 ;  Elkhart,  1854 ;  St.  Mary's,  1855 ; 
Miami,  1856.  In  1857,  he  located  on  account  of  physical  infirmi- 
ties, and  some  years  prior  to  his  death  moved  to  West  Liberty, 
Iowa,  spending  the  declining  days  of  his  life  on  his  beautiful  farm. 
Here  with  his  family  he  had  many  peaceful  hours,  rejoicing  in  the 
Cj'oodness  of  the  Lord. 

His  end  was  peace.  The  Gospel  which  he  preached,  where- 
with he  sought  to  comfort  many  hearts,  comforted  his  own  heart 
in  the  hours  of  his  transition.  After  three  days  of  illness  he  an- 
swered the  call  of  his  Lord,  "Come  thou,  good  and  faithful  serv- 
ant, thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I  will  set  thee  over 
many  things;  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  the  Lord."  Rev.  W. 
Swain  conducted  the  obsequies,  and  his  body  was  laid  to  rest  in 
the  West  Liberty  Cemetery,  Iowa. 

156 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

JOHN  MICHAEL  GOMER    (1833-1891) 

Brother  Gomer  was  born,  Adelshofer,  Baden,  Germany,  May 
the  3rd,  1833,  of  parentage  that  was  highly  esteemed  in  Lutheran 
Church  circles.  He  was  given  a  creditable  Christian  training, 
which  had  its  fruitage  in  the  life  of  John.  Bishop  Esher  said  of 
him  that  he  was  talented,  and  knew  how  to  use  his  abilities  to 
the  very  best  advantage  for  the  glory  of  God  and  good  of  man. 
From  youth  he  feared  the  Lord,  and  had  a  keen  sense  of  righteous- 
ness. He  possessed  a  deeply  pious  nature,  and  as  a  young  man 
was  modest  and  unpretentious.  He  lacked  but  one  thing — a  true, 
experimental  knowledge  of  salvation. 

HIS    CONVERSION 

In  1853  he  immigrated  to  America,  and  located  at  Carmi,  111., 
where  he  successfully  followed  the  cooper  trade.  He  also  came 
under  the  influence  of  the  preaching  of  the  Evangelical  Association 
at  this  place,  and  discovered  the  way  of  true  salvation.  Deep  con- 
viction for  sin  seized  him,  and  through  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spir- 
it he  was  born  again  unto  a  lively  hope  by  the  resurrection  of 
Jesus  Christ  from  the  dead.  He  now  united  with  the  Evangelical 
Association.  This  was  in  the  year  1853.  From  the  very  hour  of 
his  conversion  Brother  Gomer  was  an  active  participant  of  the 
work  of  the  church  in  this  place  and  wherever  he  went.  "He  en- 
tirely consecrated  himself  to  God,  and  served  and  worshiped  God 
with  his  whole  mind,  heart,  soul  and  strength." 

In  course  of  time  both  he  and  the  society,  of  which  he  was  a 
member,  perceived  his  divine  call  to  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
and,  upon  application,  the  class  gladly  recommended  him  to  the 
Annual  Conference  for  license.  In  1859  he  received  his  license 
as  preacher  on  probation. 

BISHOP  ESHER'S  eulogy  OF   HIS  WORK 

"In  the  early  part  of  his  ministry  he  was  honored  with  mostly 
mission  fields  of  labor  in  Michigan  and  Indiana,  because  of  his 
faithfulness  to  enjoined  duties,  not  for  one  moment  shunning  any 
kind  of  labor,  or  trial,  or  deprivation.  He  forged  ahead  in  the  Master's 
work,  which  was  recognized  by  the  Annual  Conference,  and,  in 
due  time,  honored  him  with  the  most  prominent  fields.  Every- 
where he  faithfully  discharged  his  duties,  was  pious,  energetic, 
devoted  to  his  call,  and  was  a  warm,  sympathetic  shepherd  of  his 
flocks.  He  was  a  living  example  to  believers  in  word,  in  conversa- 
tion, in  charity,  in  faith,  in  purity  and  in  godliness." 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Again  the  Bishop  said,  "His  preaching  was  biblical,  plain, 
instructive  and  effectual.  He  was  untiring  in  his  work,  a  fine 
disciplinarian,  a  safe  counsellor,  possessing  excellent  foresight 
and  good  judgment."  From  the  results  he  achieved  in  his  Mas- 
ter's vineyard,  it  is  evident  that  he  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  wel- 
fare of  the  sinner,  the  saved,  the  young  and  the  old,  the  poor  and 
the  rich.  Therefore  God  graciously  owned  and  blessed  his  efforts 
in  the  conversion  of  many  souls,  and  in  the  establishing  of  the  be- 
lievers." Wherever  he  labored  he  was  acknowledged  as  a  pious 
and  devoted  servant  of  God,  and  had  the  undisturbed  confidence 
of  his  brethren,  in  his  congregations,  in  the  ministry,  and  from 
such  as  are  without."  Where  he  had  once  been,  he  was  always 
welcome  to  return,  and  nowhere  did  he  leave  a  stain. 

THE  FIELDS   HE  SERVED 

In  the  Indiana  Conference:  Fulton,  '59;  Berrien,  '60;  Cal- 
houn, '61-62;  South  Bend  Circuit,  '63;  Indianapolis,  1st,  '64; 
Dayton,  1st,  '65-66.  In  '67,  he  was  appointed  collector  for  the 
building  of  churches.  Mt.  Carmel,  '68 ;  Ft.  Wayne,  '69-70 ;  Indian- 
apolis Mission,  '71-72;  South  Bend  Station,  '73-4-5;  Laporte,  '76- 
77 ;  Dayton,  1st, '79-79.   On  all  of  these  fields  he  won  souls  for  Christ. 

In  1880,  he  was  sent  as  missionary  to  Galveston,  Texas,  and 
founded  and  established  the  work  of  our  church  there.  He  spent 
11  years  in  this  great  State  with  untiring  faithfulness,  proved 
himself  a  wise,  painstaking  steward,  and  an  excellent  manager  of 
pioneer  work.  Success  to  a  marked  degree  crowned  his  efforts. 
His  labors  were  very  abundant,  and  time  would  fail  us  to  chronicle 
them  all.  Until  his  decease  he  was  in  the  harness,  and  the  Presid- 
ing Elder  of  the  Texas  Conference.  He  died  July  24th  at  Carmi, 
111.,  where  he  also  is  buried.  Bishop  Esher  conducted  the  services. 
He  was  survived  by  his  wife. 


CARL  F.  W.  HANSING  (1852-1895) 

Synopsis:  Born,  Julietta,  Marion  Co.,  Ind.,  March  25th,  1852. 
Died  March  15th,  1895,  on  his  farm  on  Bunker  Hill  Circuit.  Bur- 
ied in  the  Zion  Church  Cemetery  of  the  Bunker  Hill  Circuit.  Con- 
verted at  the  age  of  17  years,  united  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion at  Julietta.  Licensed  by  the  Indiana  Conference,  Sept.,  1875. 
Ordained  as  deacon,  1885,  and  as  elder,  1887. 

Carl  was  the  fourth  of  ten  children.  His  parents.  Christian 
and  Sophia,  were  poor,  but  industrious  and  economic,  and  under 
the  blessing  of  God  succeeded  in  getting  a  home.    Under  such  cir- 

158 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


cumstances  Carl  had  the  opportunity  of  tasting  the  joys  and  sor- 
rows of  rural  life.  He  enjoyed  but  limited  school  privileges,  but 
made  every  use  of  the  opportunities  as  they  presented  themselves 
to  him. 

Under  the  preaching  of  the 
Gospel  by  our  ministers  at  Ju- 
lietta  the  Holy  Spirit  enlight- 
ened him,  and  led  him  to  repent- 
ance and  salvation.  He  was 
made  a  new  man  in  Christ  Je- 
sus, and  lived  a  very  pious  life, 
devoting  himself  to  God  and  the 
church.  He  stood  high  in  the 
esteem  and  confidence  of  the 
members  of  his  class.  In  a  few 
years  the  Lord  came  a  second 
time  to  the  Hansing  home,  and, 
laying  His  hand  this  time  upon 
Carl,  as  He  had  previously  done 
to  his  brother  Charles,  said,  "Go 
thou  also  and  labor  in  my  vine- 
yard." "But,"  says  his  brother 
Charles,  "being  rather  modest 
and  reserved,  it  required  some 
earnest  solicitation  to  persuade 
him  to  enter  the  field  that  was 
white  unto  harvest."  Finally  he 
yielded  to  the  call,  and  he  was  licensed  in  the  year  1875  as  a 
preacher  on  probation. 

HIS    MINISTRY 

Under  the  charge  of  B.  Uphaus,  in  1875,  he  was  sent  to 
Greenville  Circuit,  and  labored  successfully.  During  the  year  he 
contracted  a  severe  cold,  which,  with  other  circumstances,  neces- 
sitated his  return  home.  Owing  to  poor  accommodations,  many 
a  young  minister  failed  in  health,  and  prematurely  had  to  retire 
from  the  active  work.  In  the  year  following  he  suflficiently  re- 
gained his  health  and  entered  into  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Arns- 
man,  of  Huntington,  Indiana,  in  1877,  and  for  five  or  six  years 
lived  on  a  little  farm  near  Julietta.  A  part  of  this  time  was  spent 
in  Evansville,  and  in  1883  he  moved  to  Elkhart,  Indiana.  In 
April,  1884,  he  re-entered  the  ministry  and  was  assigned  to  Me- 
daryville,  which  circuit  he  served  very  acceptably  and  with  bless- 

159 


CARL  F.  W.  HANSING 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ing  for  three  years.  P>om  1887-90  he  served  Bremen  Circuit, 
and  again  led  many  souls  to  Christ.  In  1890-1  he  served  Ft. 
Wayne,  and  in  1891-3  he  labored  on  Bunker  Hill  Circuit.  Here 
this  noble  warrior  laid  down  the  warfare,  and,  receiving  his  dis- 
charge from  the  King  Himself,  entered  his  heavenly  rest.  Illness, 
that  had  previously  shattered  his  health,  relentlessly  seized  him 
and  ended  his  earthly  career,  March  15th,  1895.  Just  before  he 
passed  away  he  had  his  brother  Charles  read  2  Timothy  4 :  6-8, 
and  then  said,  "This  is  my  exact  experience." 

Carl  was  thoroughly  conscientious  in  all  his  work.  His  walk 
was  upright,  his  preaching  earnest,  full  of  fire,  unctuous,  plain 
and  practical.  His  appeals  to  the  unsaved  were  strong  and  often 
eloquent.  He  gave  himself  to  the  church  and  to  his  fellow-men  as 
a  sacrifice.  His  life  is  held  in  blessed  remembrance  by  all  who 
knew  him.  He  was  genial  in  his  social  relation  with  the  people. 
All  self-seeking  was  averse  to  him.  He  walked  humbly  before 
God  and  man. 

He  was  survived  by  his  wife  and  children.  Revs.  Peter 
Speicher  and  A.  J.  Troyer  officiated  at  his  funeral.  In  him  the 
Indiana  Conference  lost  a  worthy  member  and  an  efficient  pastor, 
and  the  family  an  indulgent  father.  "Many  will  rise  in  the  king- 
dom of  glory  and  call  him  blessed." 


ADAM  HARTZLER  (1836-1878) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  Oct.  21,  1836,  at  Lancaster  Co., 
Pa.,  and  at  the  age  of  11  years,  in  '47,  he  came,  with  his  parents, 
to  New  Lisbon,  Indiana.  Here  he  grew  to  manhood,  enjoying  the 
ordinary  school  privileges,  and  afterward  learning  the  black- 
smith trade.  Physically,  he  was  a  large  man,  having  a  height  of 
about  6  ft.  4  or  5  inches,  and  a  weight  of  over  300  pounds,  and 
although  corpulent,  was  yet  very  active  and  energetic. 

He  was  converted  at  New  Lisbon,  Indiana,  under  the  labors 
of  Ed.  Evans,  in  1862,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. He  at  once  became  active  in  the  work  of  the  church,  and  it 
was  not  long  before  a  clear  call  came  to  him  from  the  Lord,  ap- 
pointing him  to  service  as  a  minister.  He  realized  that  God  had 
other  work  for  him  to  do,  than  to  hammer  out  iron  and  weld  it, 
and  that  he  was  to  go  forth  with  the  hammer  of  Divine  Truth, 
and  weld  immortal  souls  to  God.  His  class  at  New  Lisbon 
also  realized  this  and  recommended  him  to  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference, from  which  he  also  received  license  in  1867. 
After  he  had  his  license  to  preach  he  did  not  forthwith  enter  the 

160 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

active  ministry.  But  in  Sept.,  1865,  he  was  received  into  the  itin- 
erancy, and  was  assigned  to  Huntington  Mission.  In  1866-7  he 
served  Defiance  Circuit.  They  lived  in  Brunnersburg,  2  miles 
north-west  of  Defiance,  in  a  two-story  house.  The  lower  part  was 
used  for  a  church,  and  the  upper  part  for  the  parsonage.  They 
had  many  hardships  on  this  work.  The  people  were  poor,  and, 
hence,  the  support  was  meager.  He  was  gone  much  of  the  time, 
the  circuit  extending  over  a  number  of  counties.  Mrs.  Hartzler 
said,  "They  were  very  limited  in  eatables,  often  only  had  a  lit- 
tle cornmeal,  no  meat  of  any  kind,  no  potatoes  and  other  neces- 
saries. No  money  to  buy  anything,  children  sick  with  fever,  and 
no  medicine  from  a  doctor,  only  home  remedies.  She  had  to  stay 
up  night  after  night  to  watch  over  her  sick  children,  while  he  was 
away,  not  knowing  where  he  was,  or  when  he  would  return.  And 
the  town  was  often  full  of  drunken  men,  carousing  around,  mak- 
ing the  night  hideous.  In  1867-9  he  served  St.  Mary's  Circuit 
with  the  parsonage,  seven  miles  out  in  the  country,  %  of  a  mile 
from  church,  practically  surrounded  with  timber.  In  1869-72  he 
again  served  Defiance  Circuit,  and  had  splendid  success.  In  1872- 
5  to  Benton  Circuit,  in  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind.  In  1875-7  Twin  Lake 
was  given  him,  and  1877-8  Nobleville  Circuit,  which  was  his  last 
charge.  His  last  sermon  he  preached  was  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Pendleton,  Ind.,  on  Sunday,  Oct.  13,  his  text  being  2  Cor.  6: 
14-18.  He  was  called  from  labor  to  reward  in  the  midst  of  his 
usefulness  and  maturity  of  life.  M.  Krueger  said  of  him  in  his 
biography :  "That  he  had  not  the  splendid  talents  that  some  of  the 
other  men  had,  but,  nevertheless,  he  was  successful  in  his  work 
for  the  Lord."  He  died  at  his  post.  His  sermons  were  practical, 
expository,  biblical,  and,  at  times,  profound.  A  number  of  the 
ministerial  brethren  assisted  in  the  funeral  services. 


JOHN  M.  HAUG    (1836-1904) 

Brother  Haug  was  born  at  Gingen,  Wurttemberg,  Germany, 
Nov.  15th,  1836,  and  departed  Sept.  18,  1904,  at  Indianapolis,  Ind. 
He  grew  to  manhood  in  the  land  of  his  nativity,  and  while  he 
enjoyed  but  limited  school  privileges,  he  made  use  of  every  oppor- 
tunity. Studying  diligently  by  candle-light,  he  mastered  the  Ger- 
man language,  and  exhibited  considerable  literary  ability.  Later 
in  life,  after  coming  to  America,  he  studied  the  English  language, 
and  achieved  good  success  therein,  although  it  was  tinged  to  a 
great  degree  with  the  German  accent.     His  parents  were  religious 

161 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


JOHN  M.  HAUG 


people,  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  His  grandmother,  es- 
pecially, seems  to  have  been  deeply  pious,  and  was  greatly  con- 
cerned about  John's  future  life.  She  had  much  to  do  with  his  be- 
coming a  preacher,  and  looked  up- 
on the  calling  of  a  minister  as  high 
and  holy.  When  John  was  old 
enough  to  study  the  Catechism,  he 
was  put  through  a  catechetical 
course,  and,  being  confirmed,  be- 
came a  member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church. 

Having  completed  his  school- 
ing, he  was  apprenticed  to  a  tailor, 
with  whom  he  worked  three  years. 
While  Rev.  John  Nicolai,  mis- 
sionary of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation in  Germany,  was  carrying 
on  his  labors  in  the  fatherland, 
John  was  brought  to  genuine  re- 
pentance and  true  faith.  After 
his  conversion,  which  took  place 
in  1855,  he  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  in  Germany,  and  soon  began  preaching  to  his 
countrymen.  This  greatly  delighted  the  grandmother,  who  thus 
had  her  wish  fulfilled,  and  it  was  soon  known  to  all  that  the  call 
of  the  Lord  was  upon  him.  He  was  then  duly  licensed  by  the 
Germany  Conference  and  received  into  the  itinerancy.  Being 
blessed  with  natural  abilities,  a  striking  personality,  a  good  phys- 
ique, a  pleasing  voice  and  a  well-poised,  emotional  nature,  to- 
gether with  the  divine  call,  he  was  well  fitted  to  the  work  of  the 
ministry. 

HIS  WORK  IN  AMERICA 

In  1856,  as  a  young  man  of  20,  he  immigrated  to  America, 
settling  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  he  did  his  first  preaching  in 
this  country.  In  '59,  he  was  stationed  upon  Ann  Arbor  Circuit, 
in  Michigan,  in  '60  to  Dearborn  Mission,  in  '61  to  N.  Michigan 
Mission,  to  which  he  was  returned  in  '62.  The  greater  part  of  his 
ministry  was  spent  in  the  Michigan  Conference,  but  in  '91  he 
came  to  the  Indiana  Conference,  of  which  he  remained  an  active 
member  until  his  decease. 

He  served  the  following  fields:  In  the  Michigan  Conference, 
Ann  Arbor,  Washtenaw,  Dearborn,  Owosso,  Detroit  First  Church, 
then  as  Presiding  Elder  for  12  years.     After  this  he  was  again 

162 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

assigned  to  First  Church,  Detroit,  and  then  to  Howell.  In  the 
Indiana  Conference  he  served:  Indianapolis  1st  Church  '91  and 
'92,  Presiding  Elder  on  the  Indianapolis  District  four  years,  and 
in  '97  he  was  appointed  to  Dayton  First  Church,  which  he  served 
for  four  years.  He  was  then  appointed  as  collector  for  the  Con- 
ference church  debt,  which  amounted  to  $15,000,  in  which  he 
proved  successful.  In  1902,  he  was  again  elected  as  Presiding  El- 
der, and  assigned  to  Louisville  District,  which  he  served  31/2  years, 
until  his  demise,  which  occurred,  Sept.  18,  1904. 

AN  APPRECIATION 

Brother  Haug  was  a  successful  soul-winner  from  the  begin- 
ning, and  had  the  favor  of  the  people  wherever  he  went.  He  pos- 
sessed considerable  executive  ability,  which  gave  him  a  place  of 
leadership  among  his  brethren,  and  duly  promoted  him  to  offices 
in  the  Conference,  such  as  Presiding  Elder,  delegate  to  General 
Conference,  etc.  As  a  preacher  he  was  Scriptural,  effective,  and 
frequently  quite  eloquent.  He  faithfully  proclaimed  the  Word  of 
Truth,  and  insisted  on  the  need  of  heart  purity  and  full  salvation. 
He  himself  professed  to  enjoy  a  higher  state  of  grace,  but  never 
claimed  to  be  beyond  faults.  Once,  in  a  sermon,  he  was  heard  to 
say,  "that  there  are  many  who  seek  entire  sanctification,  who 
ought  first  to  seek  a  genuine  reconversion,  or  regeneration."  "That 
from  a  lack  of  knowledge  and  good  judgment,  not  a  few  give  evi- 
dence of  the  fact  that,  while  the  heart  may  be  right,  the  head 
may  be  woefully  wrong." 

Aside  from  being  a  good  preacher,  he  was  also  quite  a  good 
leader  in  song,  and  was  able  to  sing  the  Gospel  of  comfort  and  sal- 
vation into  the  hearts  of  sorrowing  and  penitent  souls.  He  loved 
to  preach  better  than  do  anything  else,  and  sometimes  allowed  the 
temporal  matters  to  suffer ;  evangelistic  services,  especially,  appealed 
to  him.  In  all  his  work  he  was  extremely  impatient  over  delay. 
"The  King's  business  demands  haste,"  and  nothing  dare  hinder  it. 
He  kept  his  heart  tender  by  preaching  such  sermons  that  call  forth 
the  sympathetic  nature.  He  was  gifted  with  a  social  talent  that  is 
rarely  surpassed,  and  he  was  never  so  at  home  as  when  in  a  crowd. 
He  was  not  a  hobbyist,  but,  being  broad  in  his  views,  had  a  warm 
place  for  all  real  Christians.  He  was  devoted  to  the  church,  loved 
her  jealously,  defended  her  and  ever  sought  to  advance  her  inter- 
ests to  the  best  of  his  ability.  He  had  an  energetic  spirit  and  an 
untiring  disposition.  Fr.  Schweitzer,  a  life-long  friend,  preached 
the  funeral  sermon  in  German,  and  J.  H.  Breish,  pastor  of  our 
First  Church  in  Indianapolis,  in  English.     Other  brethren  that 

163 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

were  present  were  Geo.  Roederer,  his  predecessor  in  ofRce  on 
Louisville  District ;  D.  S.  Oakes  and  C.  F.  Hansing,  Presiding  El- 
ders of  Indianapolis  and  Elkhart  Districts,  respectively,  assisted. 
Other  ministers  were  present  to  show  their  last  respects.  His 
body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  beautiful  Crown  Hill  Cemetery  at 
Indianapolis. 

His  first  year's  salary  on  Ann  Arbor  charge,  Mich.,  '59,  was 
only  $85.00,  and  yet  he  laid  up  some  of  it,  although  he  was  mar- 
ried. Brother  Haug  and  his  family  had  to  forego  many  pleasures 
and  comforts  in  their  early  life.  Instead  of  using  butter  upon 
their  bread,  they  used  lard.  They  passed  through  many  hard- 
ships and  disappointments.  He  was  married  twice,  first  to  Mary 
Regina  Hanz,  who  died  at  Owosso,  Mich.,  May  10,  '80,  and  sec- 
ond to  Christina  Hartbeck  in  '81,  who  died  in  1900  at  Dayton,  O. 
He  was  survived  by  7  children. 

D.  S.  Oakes  wrote  this  memorial  of  him : 

A  year  ago  one  sat  in  our  midst; 
A  forward  place  he  occupied  with  us; 
His  face,  his  name,  familiar  to  us  all. 
His  presence  we  revered,  his  countenance  we  esteemed, 
Today  he  is  not  here,  his  presence  greatly  missed, 
His  spirit's  flown  unto  that  bourne 
From  whence  no  one  can  e'er  return. 
Weary  and  worn  with  many  toils, 
.    He's  gone  to  share  the  victor's  spoils. 
'Tis  John  M.  Haug  has  passed  away 
From  clouds  and  shades  to  endless  day. 
He  hailed  from  Swabia's  wine-clad  hills. 
In  early  youth,  in  native  land. 
He  gave  his  heart  to  God,  becoming  thus 
A  timely  trophy  to  the  eflforts  given 
By  our  missionaries  in 
The  German  fatherland. 
Coming  to  our  shores,  we  find  him  first 
Joining  in  Ohio's  faithful  ranks 
Of  heralds  of  the  Cross,  with  Walz  and  Zinser, 
Strawman,  Kopf,  Spreng,  Koch  and  Stull, 
And  many  others  of  like  spirit, 
All  worthy  of  our  greatest  merit. 
Next  we  find  him  in  Michigan 
With  Meek,  and  Coply,  Fuchs  and  Miller, 
Hettler,  Klump,  and  Frye,  and  Keeler, 

164 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Toiling  hard,  long  and  successful. 

In  1891  to  us  he  came. 

Since  then  he's  firmly  stood  with  us, 

Gone  in  and  out,  has  come  and  went, 

Shared  in  our  trials  and  our  joys. 

Of  the  positions  he  has  held, 

Of  work  performed,  of  places  filled, 

I  need  not  speak,  they're  known  to  all. 

A  year  ago  with  him  I  shared 

A  good  and  hospitable  home. 

His  languid  step,  his  pallid  face 

I  noted  well,  and  though 

His  spirit  still  within  him  burned, 

I  knew  time's  sands  were  running  low. 

Yet,  after  all,  when  the  Great  Harvester 

Sent  forth  his  shaft  and  cut  him  down, 

It  was  a  shock  to  me,  to  all. 

My  intercourse  with  him  was  much, 

And  intimate ;   I  knew  him  well. 

A  garland  of  forget-me-nots 

I'd  lay  upon  his  grave  and  say: 

My  brother,  colleague,  fare  thee  well. 


SAMUEL  HEISS    (1803-1883) 

This  pioneer  was  born  in  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  July  14,  1893. 
He  was  converted  to  God  under  the  labors  of  Bishop  John  Sey- 
bert,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  Yielding  to 
the  call  of  God  to  preach,  the  Western  Conference  licensed  him, 
and  for  many  years  he  served  as  a  traveling  preacher  in  that  Con- 
ference. Afterw^ard  he  served  in  a  local  relation  in  the  Indiana 
Conference.  It  was  said  of  him  that  he  was  highly  endowed  for 
the  work  of  a  preacher,  which  office  he  pursued  to  the  conversion 
of  many  souls,  and  to  the  building  up  of  the  body  of  Christ.  With 
untiring  zeal  he  labored ;  methodical  in  his  work,  pleasing  in  his 
delivery,  and  always  effective. 

He  was  married  the  first  time  to  Maria  Anna  Rohland,  Sept. 
20,  1825,  who  died  in  '49,  leaving  him  with  9  children.  Several 
years  later  he  was  married  to  Susanna  Wies.  In  '54  he  moved  to 
Indiana,  and  at  least  during  the  latter  part  of  his  life  he  resided 
in  Elkhart,  Ind.    Here  he  found  a  warm  place  in  the  hearts  of  our 

165 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

people.,  and  often  in  great  self-denial  brought  them  the  Word  of 
Life.    Like  as  a  father,  he  nurtured  the  society. 

Rather  unexpectedly  he  passed  away  Feb.  9,  1883,  and  was 
laid  to  rest  in  the  Elkhart  Cemetery.  He  was  survived  by  his 
second  wife  and  6  children.  C.  F.  Hansing  and  M.  Krueger  offi- 
ciated at  the  obsequies. 


CHRISTIAN  HEIM  (1824-1907) 

This  man  of  God  was  born  in  Wylderswyl,  Switzerland,  Dec. 
18,  1824,  died  of  old  age  in  Olney,  111.,  May  30,  1907,  and  was 
buried  in  the  Olney  Cemetery.  He  was  converted  in  the  latter 
part  of  1853,  and  his  wife,  Jan.  1,  1854,  and  both  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association.  He  was  recommended  by  the  Grand 
Prairie  class,  near  Olney,  and  licensed  by  the  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence (year  not  given),  and  was  received  into  the  itinerancy,  Sept., 
1864,  by  the  Indiana  Conference.  He  was  ordained  deacon  in 
1864,  and  as  elder  in  1866.  He  was  married  to  Mary  Brawand 
in  1853.  She  was  a  native  of  Grindelwald,  Interlaken,  Switzer- 
land. She  was  blind  for  many  years,  and  died  Aug.  7,  1895.  One 
daughter  was  born  to  them.  He  w^as  married  again,  March  16, 
1899,  to  Elizabeth  Sharp,  who  survived  him. 

Brother  Heim  said  of  his  father  John  and  his  mother  Mar- 
garet (nee  Loos),  "that  they  gave  me  a  Christian  education  as 
far  as  they  had  light  in  the  religion  of  the  Reformed  Church."  He 
was  baptized  as  an  infant,  and  as  he  grew  older  his  parents  in- 
structed him  in  prayers  consisting  of  rhymes.  These  he  commit- 
ted to  memory.  They  also  made  it  a  duty  for  him  to  read  the  Bi- 
ble. He  was  sent  to  school,  where  he  received  further  religious 
instructions,  and  had  to  memorize  the  Heidelberg  Catechism,  Gel- 
lert's  hymns.  Scripture  verses,  and  studied  much  Bible  history. 
When  he  was  16  years  old  he  was  confirmed.  He  says,  "At  this 
time  a  deep  inclination  to  and  need  of  salvation  was  realized.  But 
the  matter  rested  here,  as  I  was  not  urged  on  to  fulfil  my  vow 
taken  at  confirmation.  Instead,  as  was  the  custom  of  my  native 
country,  I  became  careless,  godless,  and,  like  the  rest,  I  surren- 
dered myself  to  the  desires  and  pleasures  of  the  world,  and  in- 
dulged in  these  things  as  much  as  any  one." 

On  October  11,  1850,  he,  with  others,  immigrated  to  Amer- 
ica. He  had,  however,  a  desire  to  locate  with  a  pious  class  of  peo- 
ple.    He  says  in  his  own  brief  sketch  of  himself,  "God  so  over- 

166 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

ruled  that  I  landed  in  Olney,  111.,  where  I  soon  became  acquainted 
with  Zwohlen,  Weis,  Muehlman  and  others,  who  were  then  mem- 
bers of  the  Grand  Prairie  class  of  the  Evangelical  Association 
near  Olney.  By  their  prayers  and  godly  conduct  deep  impressions 
were  made  upon  my  mind.  It  pleased  the  Lord  to  thoroughly  con- 
vince me  of  the  need  of  my  conversion  to  God."  But  he  hesitated 
yet  for  some  time.  He  had  a  great  struggle  as  a  young  man  to 
tear  away  from  worldly  associates.  But  finally  he  made  a  firm 
resolve,  "that  if  it  is  God's  will  to  accept  him,  he  would  seek  sal- 
vation and  serve  the  Lord  the  rest  of  his  days."  After  three 
months,  passing  through  deep  penitence,  it  pleased  the  Lord  to 
pardon  his  sins,  and  he  united  with  the  Evangelical  Church.  This 
occurred  under  the  labors  of  Chr.  Glaus. 

From  now  on  Heim  sought  to  serve  the  Lord  earnestly.  He 
prayed  much  in  secret,  in  the  home,  in  the  timber,  and  in  public 
with  God's  people,  exercising  his  faith  and  strength  in  the  Lord. 
He  also  prayed  much  for  his  unconverted  friends.  He  felt  an  al- 
most irresistible  constraint  to  preach  Christ  to  them.  Realizing 
his  great  inability,  he  prayed  much  to  God  to  excuse  him  from  so 
great  a  responsibility.  He  kept  this  divine  call  to  himself,  fear- 
ing it  might  be  a  temptation  of  Satan.  But,  finally,  he  promised 
submission  to  the  Lord  to  preach,  if  he  would  pave  the  way  there- 
to, without  he  saying  anything  about  it  to  anyone.  Here  his  diary 
stops,  but  he  evidently  learned  clearly  that  the  Lord  revealed  this 
to  the  people,  for  they  voted  him  his  recommendation  to  the  Gos- 
pel ministry. 

Prior  to  entering  the  ministry,  he  followed  the  shoe-maker's 
trade,  and  again  when  he  located  he  did  mostly  cobbling  work. 
It  was  said  of  him  that  he  was  a  true,  honest  and  upright  man, 
Scriptural,  unctuous  and  unassuming  in  his  preaching,  consist- 
ent in  his  life  and  profession,  insisting  on  a  definite  change  of 
heart,  forgiveness  of  sin,  and  an  assured  adoption  into  the  family 
of  God,  and  on  the  maintenance  of  a  holy  life.  He  was  a  liberal 
supporter  of  the  Gospel. 

He  served  Clay  County  Mission,  Sept.,  1864-6;  Yellow  River, 
1866-8;  Medaryviile,  1868-70;  Greenville,  1870-1;  West  Salem, 
1871-3.  Then  he  located,  due  to  bodily  infirmities.  In  1876  he  be- 
came a  member  of  the  South  Indiana  Conference,  remaining  in 
the  local  relation.  He  had  considerable  ability,  and  his  labors 
were  fruitful  in  leading  souls  to  Christ,  and  in  building  up  the 
church.  M.  W.  Sunderman  officiated  at  his  funeral;  others  as- 
sisted. 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

GEORGE  A.  HERTEL   (1821-1873) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  in  Felderbach,  Hessen-Darm- 
stadt,  Germany,  May  27,  1821,  and  died  in  Elkhart,  Ind.,  July  12, 
1873.  His  body  was  interred  in  the  Van  Wert  Cemetery.  Under 
the  preaching  of  Rev.  G.  Zinser,  Stark  Co.,  0.,  he  was  converted 
to  God  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He  was  rec- 
ommended to  preach  by  the  Mohr's  (now  Grand  Victory)  class, 
and  was  licensed  as  preacher  on  probation  by  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence in  '59.  He  was  ordained  as  deacon  in  '61,  and  as  elder  in  '64. 
His  first  marriage  was  with  Miss  Williman,  who  died  before  he 
entered  the  ministry.  He  was  married  the  second  time  to  Kath- 
erine  Becker,  who  nobly  stood  by  him  in  his  arduous  work  and 
added  much  to  his  success  as  a  soul-winner. 

HIS  OCCUPATION  AND  CONVERSION 

When  yet  a  young  man  he  came  from  Germany  and  settled 
in  Stark  Co.,  0.  He  learned  the  art  of  brewing  and  was  engaged 
in  it  when  he  was  brought  under  the  m.ighty  influence  of  the  Gos- 
pel. The  truth  gripped  him  with  such  power  and  so  thoroughly 
revealed  the  wickedness  of  his  brewing  business  that  he  resolved 
to  quit  it  at  once.  He  was  gloriously  saved,  and  at  once  ordered 
his  brother  Adam  to  unhitch  the  horses  from  the  beer  wagon, 
saying  that  no  more  beer  would  be  brewed.  It  appears  that  that, 
which  was  on  hand,  was  allowed  to  perish. 

HIS  EARLY  CHRISTIAN  LIFE 

He  moved  to  near  Van  Wert,  0.,  where  he  purchased  a  farm 
and  by  industry  and  frugality  succeeded  in  accumulating  consid- 
erable property.  He  did  not  live  here  very  long,  until  the  preach- 
ers of  the  Evangelical  Association  searched  for  him,  and  were 
cordially  received.  He  became  a  channel  for  the  church,  and  pre- 
sented a  way  of  access  to  the  hearts  and  homes  of  the  people  in 
this  community.  Soon  a  goodly  number  of  people  were  converted, 
a  class  was  organized,  and  he  was  elected  as  its  first  class  leader. 
This  office  he  ably  and  faithfully  filled  until  he  entered  the  ministry. 

FIELDS   HE   SERVED  AND   CHARACTER  OF    HIS   WORK 

From  '59  to  '61  he  served  Defiance,  '61-63  DeKalb,  '63-5  Van 
Wert,  '65-7  South  Bend  Circuit,  '67-9  Cincinnati,  '69-71  Newville 
(now  Linn  Grove),  '71  to  July  12,  '73,  Elkhart,  when  he  died  of 
typhoid  fever.  Three  weeks  previous  to  his  death  he  entered  the 
pulpit,  but  could  not  preach  on  account  of  illness.  He  took  to  his 
bed,  and  when^  told  of  his  serious  condition,  he  replied,  "Just  as 

168 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

God  wills  it,  so  it  will  be  alright  with  me."  When  he  was  dying 
he  whispered,  "I  have  fought  a  good  fight."  His  body  was  interred 
at  an  old  cemetery  at  Van  Wert,  O.,  and  later  on  it  was  exhumed 
and  reburied  in  the  new  Van  Wert  Cemetery.  At  Elkhart,  his  Presid- 
ing Elder,  E.  L.  Kiplinger,  preached  in  the  English,  and  John 
Fuchs  in  the  German.  Other  ministers  being  present,  assisted  in 
the  services.  It  was  said  of  him  that  in  no  case  was  he  a  misfit, 
or  was  there  ever  a  mistake  made  in  his  appointments. 

The  Conference  recognized  his  ability  and  faithfulness  and 
entrusted  some  of  the  best  and  most  important  fields  to  his  care. 
He  was  an  ideal  pastor  both  in  the  city  and  country,  going  from 
house  to  house,  both  to  members  and  strangers,  teaching  and  en- 
couraging right  living.  With  tears  he  often  pleaded  with  people 
to  come  to  church  and  serve  the  Lord.  He  also  prayed  with  the 
people  in  their  homes  and  took  a  keen  interest  in  the  children. 
His  theme  as  a  preacher  was  "Christ  Crucified" ;  his  sermons 
were  thoroughly  evangelical,  unctuous  and  effective.  When  he 
delivered  his  messages  the  people  usually  felt  that  "a  man  of  God" 
was  speaking  to  them.  He  fearlessly  preached  the  truth,  aiming, 
first  of  all,  to  win  souls  to  Christ. 

In  missionary  work  he  was  a  leader  and  manifested  a  self- 
sacrificing  spirit.  His  social  nature  helped  him  in  his  labors  and 
enabled  him  to  report  a  general  increase  in  membership  and  giv- 
ing. He  obtained  a  fair  education  in  Germany,  and,  as  a  minis- 
ter, continued  searching  for  the  deep  things  of  God,  As  a  man 
he  deported  himself  excellently,  as  a  friend  and  brother  he  was 
cordial,  true  and  open-hearted.  He  was  a  hater  of  sham.  Physi- 
cally he  was  well  built,  in  manners  pleasing,  in  will  strong  and  res- 
olute, in  his  undertakings  successful.  From  a  human  point  of 
view  his  life  ended  prematurely. 


ELI    F.    HOCHSTEDLER    (1840-1914) 

Eli,  son  of  Gabriel  and  Maria  Hochstedler,  was  born  in 
Holmes  Co.,  0.,  March  17,  1840,  and  died  in  Rochester,  Ind.,  June 
13,  1914.  His  body  lies  in  the  Rochester  Cemetery.  On  Easter 
morning,  '63,  at  his  home  in  Howard  Co.,  Ind.,  he  was  converted 
to  God  under  the  labors  of  John  Kauffman,  In  '70  his  class  rec- 
ommended him  to  Conference,  and  he  was  duly  licensed  to  preach. 
He  was  ordained  as  deacon  in  Sept.,  '72,  and  as  elder  in  '74,  He 
was  married  to  Emaline  Lantz  of  near  Kokomo,  Ind.,  Aug.  1,  1862, 
and  became  the  father  of  6  children.     His  wife  passed  away  at 

169 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Greenville,  0.,  while  he  served  that  work.  A  second  time  he  was 
married  to  a  Mrs.  Mary  Favorite  of  Winchester,  and  one  son  was 
born  to  them. 

His  parents,  Vv'ho  were  honest 
farmers,  were  natives  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  moved  to  Holmes  Co., 
0.,  in  '54.  Here  Eli  attended  coun- 
try school.  Later  they  moved  to 
Howard  Co.,  Ind.,  and  soon  there- 
after he  attended  college  at  Koko- 
mo,  Ind,  After  this  he  farmed  in 
the  summer  and  taught  school  in 
the  winter  until  he  began  to  preach. 
When  he  came  to  Howard  Co.  there 
were  no  Sunday-schools  in  that  dis- 
trict, because  they  were  regarded 
as  agencies  of  the  devil.  Social  life 
was  coarse,  men  were  given  to  pro- 
fanity. Sabbath-desecration  and  de- 
bauchery. Such  environment  was 
not  conducive  to  spiritual  develop- 
ment. Moreover,  the  country  was 
new,  low  and  wet,  and  heavily  tim- 
bered, requiring  hard  labor  to  render  the  soil  tillable.  When  Rev. 
Kauffman  was  serving  the  Waupecong  Mission  he  preached  in  this 
community,  and  Eli  was  awakened  to  his  need  of  salvation.  Previ- 
ously to  this,  while  yet  attending  the  college  at  Kokomo,  he  was 
greatly  affected  because  his  landlady  prayed  for  him.  After  11 
months  of  earnest  seeking  he  found  peace  with  God  and  united  with 
the  Evangelical  Association  at  Zion  (now  Bunker  Hill  Circuit). 
He  evinced  zeal  and  courage  in  the  Lord's  cause.  Later  he  obtained 
a  distinct  call  of  God  to  preach  the  Word,  which  became  more  ur- 
gent as  he  postponed  its  acceptance.  His  spirit  grew  restless,  while 
pictures  of  waiting  congregations  would  loom  up  before  him,  and 
finally,  in  the  solitude  of  the  woods,  he  vowed  obedience  to  God. 
Zion  class  gave  him  his  recommendation,  and  being  licensed  by  the 
Indiana  Conference,  he  at  once  entered  the  active  work. 


ELI    F.    HOCHSTEDLER 


HIS   MINISTRY  AND  RETIREMENT 

He  served  in  the  active  work  as  follows :  Elkhart  Circuit,  '70 ; 
DeKalb,  '71;  Vandalia,  '72-3;  Fulton,  '74-5;  Greenville,  '76-78; 
Mishawaka,  '79,  after  which  he  located.  He  was  quite  successful 
in  winning  souls  for  Christ.     From  his  own  diary  we  have  these 

170 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

statements :  "  Had  glorious  meetings — souls  at  the  altar — power- 
ful meeting  and  souls  saved  tonight."  After  he  located  he  moved 
on  a  farm  in  St.  Joe  Co.,  Ind.,  west  of  the  Smith's  Church,  which 
is  in  the  north-west  corner  of  Elkhart  Co.  After  living  there  15 
years  he  moved  to  Rochester,  Ind.,  where  he  engaged  in  laundry 
work.  Later  he  engaged  in  the  feed  store  business,  selling  also 
coal  and  wood,  until  illness  made  it  necessary  for  him  to  retire. 
His  illness  lasted  1  year,  and  although  he  greatly  suffered,  he  bore 
his  affliction  with  patience  and  resignation.  He  gave  himself  un- 
reservedly to  the  Lord  and  calmly  awaited  the  summons  from  on 
high. 

His  funeral  was  held  from  the  Evangelical  Church  in  Roches- 
ter, June  15,  1914.  Rev.  W.  M.  Baumgartner,  his  former  pastor, 
officiated  and  was  assisted  by  J.  W.  Metzner,  P.  E.,  J.  H.  Rilling, 
C.  W.  Spangler,  George  Pullman.  He  was  survived  by  his  second 
wife  and  several  children.  Brother  Hochstedler  was  not  an  elo- 
quent preacher  nor  gifted  in  speech,  but  he  lived  a  pious  and  un- 
assuming life,  and  was  ever  loyal  and  devoted  to  the  Church.  His 
preaching  was  plain,  fearless,  earnest,  sincere,  and  mostly  ex- 
hortative. As  a  man  he  was  honest  and  faithful,  companionable 
and  deeply  spiritual.  He  took  great  interest  in  the  Sunday-school 
and  Young  People's  Alliance.  As  long  as  health  allowed  he  was  a 
regular  attendant  at  church  services,  and  could  be  counted  upon 
by  his  pastor.    In  his  family  he  was  indulgent  and  kind. 


REV.   FREDERICK  HOFFMAN    (1822-1884) 

Frederick,  brother  of  Rev.  John  HolTman,  was  born  in  Bavaria, 

Germany,  Oct.  3,  1822,  and  departed  this  life  in ,  1884, 

near  Royal  Centre,  Ind.,  where  he  is  also  buried.  He  was  reared 
in  the  Lutheran  Church.  In  the  early  part  of  his  life  his  parents 
came  to  America,  and  settled  in  Holmes  Co.,  O.  Later  he  moved 
to  Fulton  Co.,  Ind.,  and  was  converted  here  in  1846,  and  united 
with  the  Evangelical  Association. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  Sept.,  1860,  the  German  class  of 
Culver  Circuit  recommending  him.  He  was  never  ordained  and 
never  entered  the  active  itinerancy,  nevertheless  he  traveled  much, 
frequently  30  to  40  miles,  to  preach  the  Gospel.  H  gave  24  years 
to  the  church  as  local  preacher.  It  was  said  of  him,  "That  his 
work  at  revivals  was  effective  and  appreciated,  that  he  was  mighty 
in  the  Scripture.     His  sermons  were  systematic,  plain,  practical, 

171 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

exhortative  and  deeply  spiritual."  His  labors  were  not  in  vain. 
He  was  sick  three  weeks,  but  was  fully  resigned  to  the  will  of  God. 
He  expressed  himself  as  being  "prepared  to  die."  He  chose  his 
own  funeral  text  from  Isa.  60 :  20.  He  was  survived  by  his  wife 
and  children,  one  of  whom  was  the  wife  of  Rev.  L.  Newman  of 
the  Indiana  Conference,  and  the  grandfather  of  Rev.  Irvin  Spen- 
cer, deceased.  Rev.  D,  J,  Pontius  officiated  at  his  funeral,  assisted 
by  H.  E.  Overmeyer  and  L.  S.  Fisher. 


GEORGE  B.  HOLDEMAN   (1847-1889) 


Brother  Holdeman  first  saw  the  light  of  this  world,  Wayne 
Co.,  Ohio,  Sept,  4th,  1847,  and  received  his  second  sight,  the  heav- 
enly,   at    Elkhart,    Indiana,    1875, 
^      •'^-'  ■'  -    "■'I      during  a  revival  conducted  by  Jo- 
^H^^  ^^  seph       Fisher      at       Watchtower 

^     ^.^HHp^  Church.     He  at  once  united  with 

^F      jg^^^^^^  >^  ^]^g   Evangelical   Association,   and 

^L  I  became    an    active    and     devoted 

^K       J  ma      iHr  I  member.     It  was  soon  discovered 

^P     :.^rm  ^  ^Y\2,i  the  Lord  had  need  of  him  in 

a  larger  sphere  of  service,  and  the 
Watchtower  society  recommended 
him  to  the  Annual  Conference  of 
1884,  which,  in  turn,  licensed  him 
as  preacher  on  probation.  Having 
had  but  meager  school  advantages, 
he  hesitated  in  taking  up  active 
work  at  once,  but  when  a  vacancy 
occurred  on  Ft.  Recovery  Circuit, 
four  months  after  Conference,  he 
GEORGE  B.  HOLDEMAN  accepted  it,  and  served  with  great 

satisfaction.  In  '85  he  was  as- 
signed to  E.  Germantown;  in  '86-88  he  served  N,  Webster;  in 
'88-89,  Logansport;  '89  he  was  again  assigned  to  Logansport,  but 
he  was  not  permitted  to  return  to  the  people  that  were  so  greatly 
attached  to  him.  A  higher  power  appointed  him  to  the  celestial 
field.  After  Conference  he,  with  his  wife,  went  to  Wakarusa  to 
visit  friends  and  relatives,  and  after  spending  a  few  days  here, 
preaching  four  times,  he  was  called  to  his  reward.  Ten  days  of 
indescribable  suffering  ended  his  career,  D.  S.  Oakes  said  of  him: 
"He  was  a  very  conscientious  and  pious  man,  earnest  and  faith- 

172 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

ful  in  the  discharge  of  his  Christian  and  official  duties ;  he  did  not 
falter,  nor  did  he  become  easily  discouraged  in  his  labors  for  God. 
He  was  punctual,  reliable  and  effective ;  his  preaching  was  appro- 
priate, pointed  and  instructive.  He  made  rapid  progress  in  his 
preaching.  He  had  the  confidence  and  the  esteem  of  the  entire  Con- 
ference. A  worthy  laborer  was  lost  by  his  untimely  death."  His 
widow,  a  Mary  C.  Harrington,  and  four  children  survived  him. 
Burial  took  place  at  Elkhart,  Indiana. 


JACOB  HUNTSINGER   (1836-1909) 

Jacob  was  born  near  Hagerstown,  Wayne  Co.,  Indiana,  Feb.  11, 
1836,  where  he  also  grew  to  manhood.  He  departed  this  life  in 
Huntington  Co.,  Indiana,  in  the  triumphs  of  faith,  Feb.,  1909.  He 
was  small  of  stature,  unique  in  his  gifts,  adapted  for  work  among 
children.  He  was  led  to  accept  Christ  as  his  personal  Saviour  in 
the  spring  of  1858,  when  he  also  united  with  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation, remaining  faithful  and  devoted  until  death.  He  never 
married.  Soon  after  his  conversion  he  felt  called  of  God  to  preach 
the  Gospel ;  the  New  Lisbon  class  recommended  him,  and  he  was 
licensed  by  the  Indiana  Conference,  Sept.,  '72.  He  was  ordained 
deacon,  '79.  He  never  took  a  regular  charge,  but  devoted  his  life 
and  efforts  for  nearly  30  years  to  the  children.  He  very  appro- 
priately received  the  name,  "The  Children's  Friend."  His  sole 
purpose  was  to  befriend  the  children  on  the  streets,  in  the 
homes,  and  frequently  spoke  to  them  in  Sunday-school,  and  at 
Sunday-school  conventions.  He  would  entertain  them  with  quaint 
illustrations  of  his  own,  ever  bent  on  directing  their  minds  and 
hearts  to  accept  Jesus  Christ  early  in  life.  He  also  endeavored  to 
implant  principles  of  temperance  and  virtue  by  his  apt  use  of 
object-lessons.  This  work  he  did  with  simplicity  and  amiableness. 
He  was  a  firm  believer  in  child  evangelism,  and  in  his  younger 
days  did  considerable  good  among  the  children.  He  generally  had 
with  him  simple  tracts  for  children,  and  would  distribute  them  at 
Sunday-school  and  to  children  on  the  streets.  His  work  was  ex- 
tensively known  in  and  out  of  the  church.  His  kindly  words  will 
long  be  remembered  by  those  who  learned  to  know  him  in  their 
childhood.  In  eternity  many  will  rise  and  call  him  blessed  for  what 
he  meant  to  them  in  their  youth.  The  one  theme  that  lay  near  his 
heart  was  Heaven.  Though  he  lived  a  simple  life,  his  influence  was 
always  for  good,  and  the  Lord  had  need  of  him. 

173 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

AUGUST  IWAN  (1840-1897) 

This  herald  of  the  Cross  was  born  in  Posen,  Prussia,  Aug. 
15th,  1840,  and  was  reared  in  the  Evangelical  State  Church,  in 
which  he  was  duly  catechized  and  confirmed.  With  his  parents, 
Heinrich  and  Caroline,  he  and  his  wife,  an  Augusta  Schultz,  came 
to  America,  1875,  and  settled  in  South  Bend,  Ind.  He  followed  the 
trade  of  a  blacksmith,  and  labored  in  the  "Studebaker  Wagon  Fac- 
tory" until  he  entered  the  ministry.  He  was  very  industrious  and 
frugal,  and  highly  esteemed  by  his  fellow-workmen.  It  was  while 
in  South  Bend  that  he  began  attending  the  services  in  the  First 
Evangelical  Church,  and  under  the  labors  of  Christian  Glaus  be- 
came awakened  to  his  need  of  salvation,  and  was  converted  to 
God,  '76. 

HIS  DIVINE  CALL  AND  MINISTRY  IN  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

About  six  months  after  his  conversion  he  received  clear  evi- 
dence of  a  call  to  the  ministry,  and  was  ready  to  go  forth  and 
preach  any  time  the  church  would  send  him.  When  J.  M.  Gomer 
asked  him  whether  he  did  not  realize  a  call  of  God  to  preach,  he 
replied :  "I  am  ready  whenever  God  wants  me  to  go."  Brother 
Iwan,  like  many  others,  earned  large  wages,  hence  made  a  great 
financial  sacrifice  by  going  out  as  a  herald  of  the  Cross.  His  wife 
was  not  willing  to  go,  realizing  the  privations  of  a  minister's  life, 
but  she  graciously  yielded  to  the  will  of  God.  His  educational  priv- 
ileges in  Prussia  were  those  of  the  common  schools.  ''But,"  says 
E.  J.  Nitsche,  "he  was  an  earnest  and  faithful  Bible  student,  a 
man  with  a  great  mind,  possessing  great  will-power,  backed  by  a 
forceful  character.  This  made  him  a  strong  textual  preacher."  He 
served  the  following  fields  in  the  Indiana  Conference:  In  '77-8, 
Logansport,  where  he  had  much  opposition  from  a  Lutheran 
pastor,  who  enticed  him  to  a  public  debate  on  doctrinal  points. 
Brother  Iwan,  being  young  in  the  work  and  inexperienced,  was  not 
a  match  for  the  occasion,  and  through  this  occurrence  our  work 
suffered  a  blow  that  almost  paralyzed  it  in  this  place.  In  '79-80, 
Bunker  Hill  was  given  him;  '81-82,  Wanatah  Circuit;  '83,  Medary- 
ville;  '84,  Laporte;  '85,  Wanatah;  in  '86-87,  Elkhart,  Division  St. 
He  was  quite  successful  in  soul-winning  on  these  charges,  and 
gained  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  brethren  and  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Board  of  Missions. 

HIS  WORK  IN  TEXAS 

In  '88  the  Board  of  Missions  assigned  him  to  Galveston.  Many 
of  his  friends  were  fearful  of  his  going  so  far  south,  but  he  said : 

174 


LIP^E  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

"I  go  to  Texas  to  work  for  the  Lord  and  to  die  there."  He  served 
Galveston  charge  different  times  for  a  period  of  seven  years,  and 
San  Antonio  for  three  years,  and  as  presiding  elder  of  the  South 
District  for  two  years,  serving  Galveston  with  it.  When  the  time 
came  to  hold  what  proved  to  be  his  last  quarterly  meeting  in  Tem- 
ple, Texas,  being  sick  at  the  time,  he  was  urged  to  stay  at  home, 
but  he  said:  "I  must  go  to  Temple,  and  if  I  must  go  on  one  foot." 
His  unexpected  death  was  caused  by  a  carbuncle  under  his  right 
shoulder-blade.  His  last  sermon  was  on  Daniel  5:  25-28,  preached 
just  two  weeks  before  he  was  buried.  Only  the  brethren  of  his 
district  could  attend  his  funeral  on  Aug.  15th,  1897.  Rev.  Meier 
preached  from  Revelation  14:  13.  Revs.  Bunse,  Chum,  and 
Daeschner  assisted.  The  remains  were  interred  in  the  beautiful 
Lake  View  Cemetery  at  Galveston.  This  was  a  great  and  sore  be- 
reavement for  the  family,  and  a  great  loss  to  the  Conference. 

Rev.  Daeschner  of  the  Texas  Conference  wrote  of  him  that  he 
discharged  the  duties  of  the  important  office  of  a  minister  with 
fidelity  and  conscientiousness,  without  pretense  or  hypocrisy,  that 
he  did  his  work  M'ith  circumspection  and  devotion,  to  the  edification 
of  the  saints  and  the  salvation  of  sinners.  The  church  entrusted 
him  with  important  charges  in  both  Conferences.  His  preaching 
was  often  eloquent  and  unctuous,  Scriptural  and  practical,  logical, 
edifying  and  effective.  He  was  known  as  being  systematic  in  all  of 
his  work,  devoid  of  selfishness.  He  was  virtuous  and  stood  in  inti- 
mate relation  with  his  co-laborers.  He  regarded  the  ministry  as 
a  holy  calling,  and  the  ministers  as  ambassadors  of  Christ  and 
stewards  of  the  household  of  faith. 


CARLKALWITZ  (1837-1902) 

Brother  Kalwitz  was  born  in  Pruetzenwald,  Germany,  May 
20th,  1837.  He  was  reared  in  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  came  to 
America  in  '64,  and  settled  in  Laporte  Co.,  Indiana.  He  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Augusta  Bremer,  '64,  to  whom  were  born  7  chil- 
dren. His  vocation  was  that  of  farming.  In  1864,  under  the  labors 
of  the  preachers  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  he  was  convinced 
of  the  errors  of  his  life  and  deeply  convicted  of  his  sins.  Yielding 
to  the  leadings  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  was  converted  to  God,  and 
united  with  the  Evangelical  Association  at  Zion,  near  Wanatah. 
He  evinced  ability  to  lead  and  instruct  in  God's  Word.  His  class 
recommended  him  to  the  Indiana  Conference  for  license,  and  in 
Sept.,  '67,  the  Conference  granted  him  a  probationer's  license.     He 

175 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

was  ordained  deacon  in  '97,  and  only  served  in  the  active  minis- 
try one  and  one-half  years  on  his  home  charge,  preferring  there- 
after to  remain  with  his  family.  The  remaining  thirty-five  years 
of  his  life  he  continued  as  a  local  preacher,  and  filled  the  office  of  a 
class-leader  for  many  years.  Brother  Kalwitz  had  somewhat  of  a 
sensitive  nature,  and  was  set  of  will.  Having  been  a  class-leader 
for  a  long  time,  he  asked  to  be  released  from  this  office,  and  at  an 
election  this  was  done  accordingly.  Afterwards  he  confessed  to 
his  presiding  elder  that  he  did  not  think  that  the  class  would  release 
him,  that  he  felt  lost  and  feared  that  he  could  not  work  out  his  sal- 
vation unless  he  be  reinstated.  This  shows  that  he  loved  the  work 
as  class-leader,  and  probably  felt  that  he  did  wrong  by  asking  for 
this  release.  He  was  clear  and  practical  in  his  preaching.  He  died 
Feb.  23,  1902.  J.  H.  Evans  officiated  at  his  funeral.  J.  M.  Haug 
and  J.  W.  Feller,  his  pastor,  assisted.  His  body  was  interred  in 
the  Zion  Cemetery,  located  near  the  Zion  Church. 


JOHN  KARSTETTER    (1806-1879) 

This  brother  was  born  in  1806  and  died  at  Elkhart,  Indiana, 
1879.  He  was  for  many  years  a  local  preacher,  held  in  the  highest 
esteem,  a  liberal  supporter  of  the  Gospel,  and  true  to  the  Evangeli- 
cal Association.  He  traveled  several  years  with  M.  Krueger  on  the 
Elkhart  Circuit.  It  was  said  of  him  that  he  was  not  a  very  great 
preacher,  but  that  he  was  warm-hearted  and  sympathetic,  and  had 
-the  confidence  of  the  people.  He  was  licensed  and  received  into  the 
itinerancy  by  the  Indiana  Conference  in  '65. 

At  the  session  of  '58  he  gave  $400  to  the  Indiana  Conference 
Missionary  Society  to  establish  a  fund,  on  condition  that  the  Con- 
ference arrange  to  pay  $600  on  the  South  Bend  Church.  The  Con- 
ference showed  its  good  intention  by  at  once  raising  $200  among 
the  ministers  toward  the  $600  required.  Nothing  further  has  been 
ascertained  concerning  this  brother. 


JACOB  KEIPER  (1824-1909) 

Brother  Keiper,  of  German  ancestry,  was  born  in  Reamstown, 
Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  Dec.  31,  1824.  He  was  the  fifth  of  nine  chil- 
dren, and  was  well  acquainted  with  the  hardships  of  those  early 
days.  His  school  privileges  were  limited,  but  he  was  studious,  dili- 
gently seeking  to  gain  all  the  knowledge  he  could,  and  became 
quite  proficient  in  the  use  of  both  German  and  English.  In  time 
he  became  a  frequent  contributor  to  the  ChristlicJicr  Botschaftcr. 

176 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

CONVERSION   AND  CALL  TO  PREACH 

During  a  camp-meeting,  held  in  1837  near  his  home,  he  was 
led  to  Christ,  and  obtained  pardon  of  his  sins.  Rev.  J.  M.  Sind- 
linger,  one  of  our  Evangelical  preachers,  was  conducting  the  camp- 
meeting,  and  it  was  under  his  labors  that  he  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association,  His  parents  already  were  loyal  and  devoted 
members  of  our  church,  and  greatly  aided  him  in  his  Christian 
life.  From  the  first  a  great  interest  in  church  work  and  soul- 
saving  possessed  his  heart,  and  he  gave  himself  with  earnestness 
to  the  cause  of  the  Lord.  The  church  at  Reamstown  soon  en- 
trusted him  with  the  office  of  a  class-leader,  in  which  office  he  ably 
acquitted  himself. 

It  was  not  very  long  until  the  voice  of  God  was  clearly  heard, 
calling  him  to  the  preaching  of  the  Word.  He  did  not  resist  the 
call,  was  recommended  by  his  class,  and,  according  to  the  custom 
of  that  time,  was  licensed  to  preach  by  his  Quarterly  Conference. 
In  1849  he  came  westward  to  E.  Germantown,  Ind.,  and  upon  his 
arrival  he  met  Rev.  A.  B.  Schafer,  who  was  just  getting  ready  to 
leave  for  the  Conference  session.  Keiper  says :  "He  picked  me  up 
and  took  me  along  to  the  session  of  the  Illinois  Conference,  which 
was  held  at  Naperville."  The  Illinois  Conference  at  once  received 
him  into  the  itineracy  and  assigned  him  to  Dubois  Circuit. 

HIS  MINISTRY 

His  ministry  fell  in  those  early  pioneer  days  when  hardship 
was  a  constant  companion,  salary  almost  at  the  vanishing  point, 
food-stuff  expensive,  houses  small  and  rickety,  traveling  facilities 
worse  than  poor.  These  servants  of  God  could  truly  say,  "In  jour- 
neying often,  in  perils  of  rivers,  in  perils  of  robbers,  in  perils  in  the 
city,  in  perils  in  the  wilderness,  in  labor  and  travail,  in  watchings 
often,  in  hunger  and  thirst,  in  fastings  often,  in  cold  and  naked- 
ness. Besides  those  things  that  are  without,  there  is  that  which 
presseth  upon  me  daily,  anxiety  for  the  churches."  It  was  "the 
love  of  Christ  that  constrained  them"  to  do  and  to  dare  in  His 
name. 

He  served  the  following  fields  with  great  success  and  bless- 
ings: Illinois  Conf.,  Dubois  Circuit,  1849;  Sheboygan  Mission,  Wis., 
1850,  and  Whitewater  Circuit  in  1851.  At  the  formation  of  the 
Indiana  Conference  he  became  a  charter  member,  and  was  privi- 
leged to  be  one  of  three  who  lived  long  enough  to  celebrate  the  50th 
anniversary  of  the  formation  of  the  Conference.  In  the  Indiana 
Conference  he  served  Miami  Circuit,  which  had  19  appointments, 

177 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

extending-  through  Huntington,  Wabash,  Kosciusko,  Marshall,  Ful- 
ton and  Mianrii  Counties  in  1852 ;  Elkhart  Circuit,  1853 ;  Dubois  Cir- 
cut,  1854;  Indian  Creek  Circuit,  1855;  Miami  Circuit,  1856-8. 

On  account  of  a  throat  affection  he  returned  to  the  Illinois 
Conference  in  1869,  and  was  sent  to  Iowa  as  a  missionary  to  do 
frontier  work.  He  labored  the  year  through  on  Grandview  Mis- 
sion, blazing  a  trail  for  the  preachers  of  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. In  1860  he  served  Muscatine ;  in  1861,  Lisbon ;  in  1862-4, 
Cedar  Falls;  in  1864-5,  Independence.  At  this  juncture  the  Iowa 
Conference  was  formed,  and  he  became  a  charter  member  of  it, 
serving  Dubuque  City  and  Ackley  during  the  year. 

In  the  fall  of  1867  he  again  returned  to  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence, and  was  appointed  to  Winamac  Circuit;  in  1868  to  Fulton 
Circuit ;  in  1869-71  to  Elkhart  Circuit,  and  1871-3,  Van  Wert.  In 
September,  1873,  he  located  on  account  of  the  recurrence  of  throat 
trouble,  and  removed  to  Naperville,  111.  He  transferred  his  mem- 
bership to  the  Illinois  Conference,  engaging  in  the  Lord's  service 
in  various  ways  until  his  demise.  One  year  he  served  Downers 
Grove  and  Lockport,  and  after  1873  engaged  in  the  sale  of  Bibles 
and  books,  traveling  over  various  Conference  territories.  He 
preached  whenever  circumstances  allowed.  Twice  he  had  the  honor 
of  being  delegate  to  General  Conference. 

AN  APPRECIATION 

As  a  man.  Brother  Keiper  was  firm,  loyal,  God-fearing  and 
true,  conscientious  almost  to  a  fault.  He  was  a  man  of  deep  con- 
viction, and  only  after  proof  of  error  could  he  be  made  to  retract 
anything  that  he  had  said  or  led  to  change  his  mind.  This  trait 
often  caused  him  trouble,  and  made  not  a  few  enemies.  Yet  his 
sincerity  was  never  questioned.  What  he  had  to  say  he  said  with 
honest  intent  and  with  the  purest  of  motives. 

When  the  Evangelical  Association  was  rent  by  dissention  he 
united  with  the  seceders  because  he  thought  they  were  in  the  right, 
and  bec^pe  a  degelate  to  the  convention  that  organized  the  "United 
Evangelical  Church,"  to  which  church  he  remained  true  to  the  end. 
Yet  quite  a  while  before  his  decease  he  became  an  ardent  pro- 
moter of  reunion  of  the  two  churches,  and  it  was  a  source  of  great 
joy  to  him  to  see,  yet  in  his  day,  that  active  steps  have  been  taken 
by  both  branches  of  the  spiritual  house  of  Albright  toward  reunion. 

As  a  minister  and  pastor  he  was  without  a  superior.  Venture- 
some, ambitious,  untiring  and  devoted,  he  gave  himself  to  his  work 
with  a  zest.  Several  times  he  nearly  lost  his  life  trying  to  ford 
streams  in  his  desire  to  reach  his  appointments.     In  1871,  while 

178 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

serving  Elkhart  Circuit,  he  desired  a  change,  and  so  did  the  circuit 
likewise ;  but  when  Conference  convened  he  was  returned  to  this 
field,  and  upon  his  arrival  said,,  "I  know  that  you  do  not  want  me 
again,  and  I  did  not  want  to  come  back  to  you  either,  but  since  Con- 
ference has  returned  me,  let  us  do  the  very  best  we  can  together," 
and  he  said  that  this  turned  out  to  be  one  of  the  very  best  years 
of  his  ministry,  and  the  people  were  loathe  to  part  with  him  at  the 
close  of  the  year. 

As  a  preacher  he  was  clear,  practical  and  biblical,  often  force- 
ful and  effective.  He  was  free  from  the  fear  of  man,  and  preached 
as  he  believed  God  wanted  him  to.  His  messages  were  pointed  and 
direct,  sin  was  uncovered  and  slain.  Those  who  opposed  the  truth 
naturally  became  irritated  and  often  persecuted  him.  He  was  an 
effective  soul-winner,  a  good  organizer,  and  a  frequent  church 
builder.  He  was  not  ashamed  to  assist  in  building  churches  with 
his  own  hands,  being  a  carpenter  by  trade. 

HIS  PARTING 

It  had  been  his  custom  for  many  years  to  attend  watchnight 
services  in  the  German  Evangelical  Church  at  Naperville.  While 
attending  the  last  one,  on  Dec.  31,  1908,  while  the  audience  was 
standing  and  singing,  he  was  stricken  with  paralysis,  and  com- 
pletely disabled.  He  was  taken  home  as  rapidly  as  possible,  where 
he  lingered,  helpless  as  a  child,  until  his  release,  Feb.  8th,  1909. 
His  body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  cemetery  at  Naperville,  Revs. 
Fuessele,  his  pastor,  and  G.  M.  Hallwachs  and  G.  A.  Manshart  of 
the  Evangelical  Association  conducted  the  obsequies. 

He  was  survived  by  his  faithful  wife,  a  Sarah  Fisher,  whom 
he  had  married  in  1854,  and  two  daughters,  Mrs.  F.  G.  Stauflfer 
and  Mrs.  Rev.  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  Three  children  preceded  him 
in  death. 

His  end  was  peace,  for  he  died  in  Him  who  is  the  Giver  of 
perfect  peace. 


JOHN  KIPLINGER  (1801-1878) 

Brother  Kiplinger  was  born.  Center  Co.,  Pa.,  April  30th, 
1801,  and  fell  asleep,  Fulton  Co.,  Indiana,  1878.  When  a  young 
man  he  moved  to  Wayne  Co.,  Indiana,  and  engaged  in  farming. 
Here  he  met  and  married  Susanna  Loesch,  and  became  the  father 
of  9  children.  He  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  three  of  his  sons, 
Eli,  Samuel  and  John,  Jr.,  enter  the  ministry.  Father  Kiplinger 
was  converted  in  Pennsylvania,  while  still  a  young  man,  and  united 

179 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

with  the  Evangehcal  Association,  of  which  he  remained  a  true 
and  faithful  member.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1857  by  the 
Indiana  Conference,  having  previously,  in  '43,  moved  into  Fulton 
Co.,  Ind.  He  measured  6  feet  in  height,  and  was  large-boned.  He 
had  a  very  fatherly  disposition  towards  young  preachers.  With 
resignation  and  success  this  talented  man  of  God  labored  as  local 
preacher  in  this  community  to  the  end.  D.  J.  Pontius  said  of  him 
that  he  was  never  indifferent  to  his  duties.  What  his  hands  found 
to  do  he  did  with  might.  That  he  was  an  ideal  local  preacher  in 
looking  up  new  preaching  places,  helping  in  revival  meetings  to 
the  best  of  his  ability.  He  was  a  man  of  faith,  prayer  and  courage. 
He  sought  to  live  a  real,  earnest.  Christian  life,  which  made  him 
a  wholesome  influence  in  his  community. 

Soon  after  he  moved  to  Indiana  his  wife  died,  which  was  a 
sore  bereavement  to  him.  Later  he  married  Elizabeth  Weber,  and 
they  had  three  children.  His  release  came  in  '78,  after  great  suf- 
fering, which  he  bore  with  patience  and  resignation.  His  body 
lies  buried  in  the  Salem  Cemetery,  Fulton  Co.,  Indiana,  south  of 
Rochester. 


SAMUEL  KIPLINGER   (1839-1895) 

Samuel  was  born,  Wayne  Co.,  Ohio,  Aug.  26th,  1839.  He  was 
the  son  of  Rev.  John  Kiplinger,  Sr.  He  was  converted  at  eight 
years  of  age  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association,  remain- 
ing faithful  to  the  end.  In  '43  he  came  to  Fulton  Co.,  Indiana, 
with  his  parents,  and  was  reared  on  the  farm  and  obtained  a  com- 
mon school  education.  At  the  age  of  22  years  the  Salem  class 
recommended  him  to  the  Indiana  Conference  for  license  to  preach, 
which  the  Conference  granted  at  its  session  in  Sept.,  '61. 

HIS  ARMY  LIFE 

,  In  Nov.,  1861,  the  Civil  War  having  broken  out,  he  enlisted 
in  the  48th  Indiana  Infantry,  and  served  three  years.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  battles  of  Corinth,  Fort  Gibson,  Raymond,  Jackson, 
Vicksburg,  and  Sherman's  March  to  the  Sea.  He  returned  with  im- 
paired health,  resulting  in  chronic  ailments  which  caused  him  much 
suffering  for  31  years.  This  greatly  hindered  his  usefuilness  and 
marred  his  happiness.  In  his  army  life  he  maintained  an  unsullied 
Christian  character.  J.  W.  Lertch,  First  Lieutenant  Company  A, 
48th  Indiana  Infantry  Volunteers,  gave  him  this  testimonial :  "I 
certify  that  Samuel  Kiplinger,  a  member  of  my  company,  has  been 
a  good  and  faithful  soldier,  ever  ready  to  perform  his  duty,  obedient 

180 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

to  orders,  void  of  faults.  He  is  one  also,  among  the  few,  who  has 
not  become  addicted  to  the  evils  of  camp  life.  May  he  be  able  to 
perform  his  duty  to  God  as  he  has  to  his  country." 

HIS  MINISTRY 

Returning  from  the  army,  he  entered  the  active  ministry,  and 
served  Greenville  charge  in  '65  for  six  months ;  Cicero,  '66 ;  Ken- 
dallville,  '67;  then  he  located  for  three  years.  After  this  he  served 
Mishawaka,  '71-72.  He  then  moved  to  the  Illinois  Conference,  and 
served  Magus,  Iowa,  '73 ;  Laporte,  Iowa,  '74.  At  the  organization 
of  the  Iowa  Conference,  in  '75,  he  became  a  member  of  that  Con- 
ference, and  served  Afton,  '75-76  ;  Creston,  '77-78  ;  Belle  Plain,  '79  ; 
Blue  Springs,  Neb.,  '82  ;  Creston,  '86  ;  Thayer,  '90  ;  Nodawa,  '91-92  ; 
Creston,  '93,  for  six  months.  In  all  he  served  29  years  as  a  pas- 
tor, and  six  years  as  a  supply. 

In  '82,  when  the  Platte  River  Conference  was  organized,  he 
volunteered  to  do  frontier  work  in  this  Conference,  but  soon  found 
that  his  impaired  health  could  not  endure  such  work,  and  he  re- 
turned to  the  Des  Moines  Conference.  When  the  deplored  rupture 
occurred  in  the  church  in  '90,  he  was  one  of  six  of  his  Conference 
that  remained  loyal  to  the  church,  and  amidst  great  opposition  car- 
ried on  the  work.  He  was  a  blessing  to  the  church  wherever  he 
worked.  Many  souls  were  won  by  him  for  Christ.  His  end  came 
at  Creston,  Iowa,  June  8th,  1895.  Rev.  J.  H.  Yaggy,  P.  E.,  preached 
his  funeral  sermon  from  Second  Timothy  4 :  6,  7.  Other  ministers 
were  present  and  assisted.  The  G.  A.  R.  post  and  Sons  of  Veterans 
turned  out  in  uniform  in  honor  of  their  comrade.  He  died  in  great 
peace.  He  was  married  to  Henrietta  Ruth,  Sept.  27th,  1866.  They 
lived  a  very  happy  life  together,  and  had  born  to  them  one  son  and 
two  daughters.  To  them  he  left  a  legacy  of  a  pious,  earnest.  Chris- 
tian life.  He  was  survived  by  the  entire  family.  His  body  lies  at 
the  cemetery  at  Creston,  Iowa. 


GEO.  KLOEPFER  (1812-1886) 

Bro.  Kloepfer  was  born  at  Aaronsburg,  Center  Co.,  Pa.,  March 
11,  1812,  and  died  at  the  home  of  his  son  Omri  in  Oakland,  Ind., 
Sept.  21,  1886.  His  body  lies  buried  in  the  Oakland  Cemetery.  He 
was  led  to  Christ  mostly  through  reading  of  the  Bible,  in  1838,  and 
united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He  lived  close  to  God, 
and  was  faithful  to  duty,  gaining  the  confidence  of  the  class-mem- 
bers. He  heard  and  heeded  the  Divine  call  to  preach  the  Word. 
The  Ohio  Conference  licensed  him  as  preacher  on  probation.  May 

181 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

31,  1841,  and  was  received  into  the  itinerancy.  His  license  was 
signed  by  Bishop  J.  Seybert  and  A.  B.  Schafer,  secretary,  who 
wrote  around  its  margin  in  German:  "This  is  the  first  preacher 
to  whom  a  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Association  gave  license 
who  lived  within  the  State  of  Indiana."  He  married  Margaret 
Snyder,  June  1,  1834. 

HIS  MINISTRY 

In  May,  1841,  he  was  assigned  with  C.  Augustein  to  White- 
water Mission.  At  the  close  of  this  year  he  located  on  account  of 
illness,  and  then  remained  in  the  local  relation  until  Sept.,  1857, 
when  he  again  was  received  into  the  itinerancy,  continuing  therein 
for  16  years  on  the  following  fields:  Elkhart  Circuit,  1857;  St. 
Joseph  Circuit,  in  Michigan,  1858 ;  Lafayette  Mission,  1859 ;  Cicero 
Mission,  1860 ;  Fulton  Circuit,  1861 ;  Greenville  Circuit,  1862 ;  Ful- 
ton Circuit  again,  1863;  Huntington  Mission,  1864;  Mississinawa 
Mission,  1865.  In  1866  he  located  due  to  sickness.  In  1868,  East 
Germantown;  1869,  Vandalia  Mission,  and  Mt.  Carmel  Station, 
1870.  In  1871  he  again  located.  Two  half  years  he  filled  vacancies. 
He  said  of  his  own  work :  "When  I  look  on  my  past  life  I  see  more 
room  and  cause  for  humiliation  than  for  exaltation.  But  God  has 
been  very  good  and  kind  to  me.  In  Him  I  trust  life  and  death,  and 
unto  Him  I  commit  all  now  and  forever.    Amen." 

He  willed  $600  to  the  missionary  cause  of  the  church,  but  later 
sent  it  direct  to  Treasurer  Wm.  Yost  as  an  incentive  to  others  to 
do  likewise.  When  the  Indiana  Conference  was  organized  his  name 
appears  in  the  list  of  local  deacons.  His  biographer  said :  "He  was 
highly  esteemed  in  the  Conference,  due  to  his  virtue  and  sterling 
character,  that  he  was  an  able  preacher  in  German  and  English, 
a  wise  counsellor,  genial  in  disposition,  and  a  staunch  lover  and 
supporter  of  the  church  and  her  institutions."  He  chose  his  own 
funeral  text,  Phil.  1 :  21,  and  requested  M.  W.  Steffey  to  preach 
his  funeral  sermon,  which  was  done  in  the  Oakland  Christian 
Church.  J.  E.  Smith  of  Noblesville  assisted.  He  w^as  survived  by 
his  wife  and  six  children ;  one  son  previously  fell  in  the  Civil  War. 


MATHIAS  KLAIBER    (1831-1885) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  in  Hausen,  Oberamt  Tutlingen, 
Wuerttemberg,  Germany,  Aug.  13,  1831,  and  died  in  Denver,  Colo- 
rado, Oct.  14,  1885.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  land,  and 
obtained  the  usual  instruction  in  the  Lutheran  Church.  When  he 
was  21  years  old  he  emigrated  to  America.     He  was  married  to 

182 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Mary  Glunz  in  1856.  Under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  J.  Klein,  pas- 
tor of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Portsmouth,  Ohio,  he 
awoke  to  his  need  of  salvation,  and  was  soon  converted  to  God. 
Soon  after  this  he  moved  to  Independence,  Ohio,  and  united  with 
the  Evangelical  Association,  there  being  no  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  at  that  place.  He  was  elected  as  class-leader,  and  under 
his  exhortation  and  prayers  the  congregations  were  often  mightily 
aroused,  and  there  were  many  conversions. 

HIS  CALL  TO  THE  MINISTRY 

When  he  was  asked  and  urged  to  enter  the  ministry  he  strong- 
ly desisted,  but  later  decided  to  heed  the  call.  He  was  recom- 
mended by  this  class  to  the  Indiana  Conference,  which  licensed  him 
in  1857.  It  now  became  his  greatest  joy  and  longing  to  save  souls. 
He  served  the  following  fields :  Marshall,  '58 ;  Warrenton,  '59 ;  Clay 
Co.,  '60-61;  Mt.  Carmel,  '62;  Carmi,  '64-64;  Vandalia,  '65-66; 
Louisville,  Zion,  '67-68;  Cincinnati,  '69-70;  Dayton,  1st,  '71-72; 
Indianapolis.  '73-74 ;  Louisville  Mission,  '75-77.  Owing  to  impaired 
health  he  was  then  necessitated  to  locate,  and  left  Louisville,  Ky., 
for  Denver,  Colorado.  He  was  ordained  deacon,  '60,  and  as  elder, 
'62.  He  served  as  secretary  of  Conference  in  '69,  and  eight  times 
as  assistant  secretary.  He  was  a  very  useful  man,  and  had  many 
precious  souls  for  his  hire.  Since  there  was  no  society  of  the 
Evangelical  Association  in  Denver,  he  united  with  the  German 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  was  transferred  to  the  South- 
west Conference,  and  served  Denver  society  for  three  years.  In 
1881  this  Conference  made  him  supernumerary,  and  in  1884  super- 
annuated him.  He  was  a  faithful  laborer,  patient  in  afliiction  and 
trustful  when  dying.    He  was  survived  by  his  wife  and  children. 


CHARLES  R.  KOCH  (1844-1881) 

Charles  R.,  the  7th  child  of  Anthony  Koch,  was  born  at  Bloom- 
field,  Scioto  Co.,  0.,  Sept.  16,  1844,  and  died  in  Cincinnati,  0.,  Dec. 
13,  1881,  where  he  also  was  buried.  His  parents  came  from  Olden- 
burg, Germany,  and  arriving  at  Bloomfield,  O.,  they  became  pio- 
neer farmers.  In  '58  they  moved  to  Spencer  Co.,  Ind.,  and  contin- 
ued farming.  Here  Charles  was  brought  under  the  influence  of  the 
true  Gospel  in  a  United  Brethren  church,  where  he  was  converted 
and  united  with  this  church.  But  in  '66  he  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association.  He  was  active  and  was  made  class-leader  in 
the  Zoar  Church  of  Rockport  charge.  Here  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and   carpenter  work,   until   in    '70,   when   he   entered   North- 

183 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Western  College  and  Union  Biblical  Institute  at  Naperville,  111., 
and  remained  3  years,  working  his  way  through.  He  received  his 
recommendation  from  the  Naperville  class,  and  then  in  the  spring 
of  '73  was  sent  to  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  where  he  preached  one  year  as  a 
probationer.  In  '74  he  was  ordained  deacon  and  sent  to  Minneapo- 
lis, Minn.,  serving  faithfully  1  year. 

On  May  14,  1875,  he  was  married  to  Ottilie  Kadatz  of  Min- 
neapolis. They  were  then  sent  to  Maple  Grove,  Minn.,  where  he 
remained  2  years.  Here  the  condition  of  his  health  gave  alarm. 
He  then  applied  to  the  South  Indiana  Conference  to  try  a  milder 
climate.  He  was  received  and  assigned  to  Huntingburg,  where  he 
remained  until  the  spring  of  '81,  when  he  was  appointed  to  Cin- 
cinnati, 0.  Here  he  contracted  small-pox  and  died.  The  funeral 
had  to  be  private  and  without  delay.  As  no  preacher  of  our  church 
could  reach  there  in  time.  Rev.  Nagel  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  preached  the  funeral  sermon,  assisted  by  Rev.  Streich  of 
the  United  Brethren  Church.  At  the  following  quarterly  meeting 
John  Fuchs  held  a  memorial  service  in  remembrance  of  him. 

His  work  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  although  brief,  was  thor- 
ough and  fruitful.  He  was  sociable  and  loved  by  the  people  he 
served.  Improvements  and  many  blessings  followed  his  work. 
Charles,  as  his  brother  said,  "believed  with  Emerson,  that  'preach- 
ing is  the  expression  of  the  moral  sentiment  in  application  to  the 
duties  of  life.'  In  thus  doing  toward  God,  he  fulfilled  his  obligation 
toward  mankind  often  at  the  peril  of  his  own  health  and  welfare." 
■He  was  survived  by  his  wife,  2  sons  and  1  daughter. 


GEO.   MICHAEL  KOEHL    (1819-1897) 

Bro.  Koehl  was  born  in  Zaberfeld,  Wuerttemberg,  Germany, 
Jan.  18,  1819,  and  died  May  21,  1897,  at  Des  Moines,  la.,  where  he 
.also  is  buried.  When  he  was  a  boy  of  13  years  his  parents  immi- 
grated to  America  and  first  settled  in  Baltimore,  Md.,  then  they 
moved  to  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  later  to  Bucks  Co.,  Pa.,  where  they 
located  on  a  farm.  Here  the  family  came  under  the  influence  of 
the  Evangelical  Association,  and  young  Koehl,  in  his  11th  year, 
was  led  to  accept  Christ  as  his  Saviour,  and  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association. 

In  '43  he  was  wedded  to  Anna  Kath.  Mumbauer,  who,  to- 
gether, were  permitted  to  share  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  life  for  49 
years.  She  preceded  him  in  death  4  years.  Eight  children  were 
born  to  them ;  four  survived  him. 

184 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

In  '54  he  moved  with  his  family  to  E.  Troy,  Wis.,  where  they 
united  with  the  German  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  not  being  represented  there.  Soon  after  com- 
ing here  he  was  elected  class-leader,  serving  4  years.  He  also 
served  as  Sunday-school  superintendent.  In  '62  he  received  license 
as  exhorter,  and  '69  as  preacher  on  probation.  In  '74,  having  moved 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Indiana  Conference  of  the  Evangelical 
Association,  he  united  with  this  Conference,  coming,  as  he  said, 
"home  again  to  mother." 

In  the  Indiana  Conference  he  served  as  follows:  In  '74,  Rock- 
port.  When  the  South  Indiana  Conference  was  organized  in  '76 
he  became  a  charter  member  of  it,  and  continued  at  Rockport  until 
21/2  years  were  served.  Then  Shelby  Mission,  21/2  years;  Vandalia, 
3  years;  Shelby  again,  3  years.  In  '86  he  moved  to  Des  Moines, 
la.,  and  united  with  the  Iowa  Conference,  In  the  spring  of  '87  he 
took  charge  of  Polk  and  Laurel  Mission,  serving  3  years.  The  rest 
of  his  life  he  rendered  service  as  time  and  circumstances  allowed. 
The  last  few  years  he  spent  in  retirement  with  his  daughter,  Mrs. 
Holmes.  He  was  beloved  and  honored  in  the  family  and  by  neigh- 
bors. He  led  many  souls  to  Christ,  as  his  records  show.  He  de- 
parted in  the  full  assurance  of  faith.  Rev,  Geo.  Knoche  preached 
his  funeral  sermon  by  Koehl's  request,  who  had  also  buried  his 
wife  and  1  son.    The  pastor,  Auracher,  assisted. 


WM.  KOENIG  (1836-1909) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  in  Satteldorf,  Greilsheim,  Wuert- 
temberg,  Germany,  April  24,  1836,  and  died  peacefully  in  Bremen, 
Ind.,  Oct.  15,  1909.  His  body  was  entombed  in  Greenville  Ceme- 
tery, O.  He  was  gloriously  converted  in  Greenville  in  '59.  He 
was  recommended  to  preach  the  Gospel  by  the  Richmond  class  of 
the  Evangelical  Association,  and  licensed  by  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence, Sept.  13,  1869.  He  was  ordained  deacon  in  '71,  and  as  elder 
in  '73.  He  was  married  to  Katherine  Heim,  Nov,  23,  1858.  To 
them  were  born  5  sons  and  3  daughters. 

Young  William  came  to  America  in  '53.  While  crossing  the 
North  Sea  a  fierce  storm  was  encountered,  the  main  sail  and  mast 
being  torn  from  their  places.  Some  Wuerttemberger  boys  were  on 
deck,  and  when  the  storm  began  raging  were  thoroughly  frightened. 
One  piteously  cried  and  kept  saying  in  the  Wuerttemberg  dialect, 
"E  wolt  e  wer  bei  der  Mutter  bliewa !"  "I  wish  I  had  stayed  with 
mother." 

185 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

William,  after  arriving  in  America,  went  to  Greenville,  O., 
where  he  grew  into  full  manhood.  Here  he  learned  the  cooper 
trade,  which  he  followed  here  and  in  Richmond,  Ind.,  up  to  the 
time  of  entering  the  ministry. 

HIS  CONVERSION  AND  WORK  IN  THE  CHURCH 

His  parents  were  Lutherans  and  reared  him  in  this  faith. 
After  coming  to  Greenville  he  began  attending  the  services  of  the 
Evangelical  Association  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Phil. 
Schwartz.  In  '59  he  became  thoroughly  awakened  and  enlightened 
concerning  his  sinfulness,  and  what  to  do  to  find  deliverance  for 
sin.  He  turned  to  God  with  true  repentance,  and  exercised  faith 
in  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  and  was  gloriously  converted  to 
God  "in  the  good  old-fashioned  way,"  as  he  often  expressed  it.  It 
was  his  notion  that  when  he  became  converted  his  conversion  must 
be  "decent  and  orderly."  He  greatly  disliked  and  disapproved  of 
loud  and  wild  demonstrations,  such  as  shouting,  clapping  of  hands, 
and  audibly  praising  God.  But  when  he  came  under  the  regenerat- 
ing power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  fully  surrendered  himself  to 
God,  he  entirely  forgot  his  preconceived  notions  of  conversion  and 
experienced,  with  great  outward  demonstrations,  the  pardon  of  his 
sins,  audibly  praising  God  for  the  great  joy  he  now  realized  in  his 
soul.  He  at  once  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association,  and  took 
an  active  part  in  all  her  work.  He  was  soon  entrusted  with 
various  official  duties  in  Greenville,  and  in  Richmond,  Ind.,  whither 
he  had  moved,  and  gave  good  satisfaction.  He  rapidly  grew  in 
grace  and  knowledge  and  evinced  considerable  ability  and  aptitude 
to  lead  souls  to  Christ  and  believers  to  better  living. 

HIS    CALL   TO    PREACH    AND    HIS    MINISTERIAL    WORK 

William  soon  felt  constrained,  by  the  love  of  God  in  his  heart, 
to  go  forth  as  a  herald  of  the  Cross.  He  now  had  a  family  con- 
sisting of  a  wife  and  3  children,  and  hesitated  to  enter  the  minis- 
try because  he  was  very  poor  and  could  not  buy  a  horse  and  buggy 
and  other  necessaries  for  ministerial  work.  But  his  Presiding 
Elder,  Mel.  Mayer,  urged  him  to  take  up  the  Gospel  work,  and 
offered  to  advance  him  the  money  to  buy  the  necessary  outfit.  The 
class  at  Richmond  recommended  him,  and  the  Conference  licensed 
him.  He  served  on  the  following  fields :  Montgomery  Circuit, 
1870-1;  Fulton,  1871-2;  Waupecong,  1872-4;  Logansport,  1874-6; 
Bremen,  1876-8;  Wanatah,  1878-81;  Celina,  1881-4.  Now  he 
changed  his  Conference  relation  to  the  South  Indiana  Conference, 
serving  various  fields  from  1884-'93,  when  this  Conference  was  re- 

186 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

incorporated  with  the  Indiana  Conference.  He  served  Terre  Haute, 
1893-4;  Bremen  again,  1894-7;  Brazil,  1897-8.  In  April,  '98,  he 
retired  from  active  service  and  located  in  Terre  Haute,  owning  to 
the  rapidly  failing  health  of  his  wife,  who  lingered  along  until 
March,  1903,  having  shared  together  each  other's  joys  and  sor- 
rows for  over  45  years.  Bro.  Koenig,  after  this,  lived  most  of  his 
time  with  the  children.  He,  however,  served  out  a  year  on  Elber- 
feld  Circuit,  which  became  vacant  during  the  Conference  year  of 
1905. 

In  his  preaching  he  disliked  sham,  or  anything  that  savored 
of  pride.  He  always  aimed  to  keep  close  to  his  text.  His  preach- 
ing was  earnest,  biblical  and  practical.  He  was  fearless  in  declar- 
ing the  truth,  true  to  his  convictions,  conscientious  in  his  pastoral 
duties  and  clean  in  his  habits  of  life.  He  was  an  enemy  to  evils, 
especially  to  intemperance  of  any  sort,  and  the  popular  sins  of 
modern  days.  On  one  of  his  charges  he  was  called  to  officiate  at 
a  funeral  of  a  young  man  who  died  as  a  drunkard.  The  father  of 
this  young  man  said  to  Koenig  "that  I  believe  the  son  died  with 
salvation  and  is  in  heaven."  In  connection  with  the  reading  of  the 
obituary  Koenig  stated  that  the  father  of  this,  his  son,  "believed 
he  died  with  salvation  and  is  in  heaven."  This  greatly  displeased 
the  father,  for  he  wanted  Koenig  to  say  it,  as  though  it  were  his 
own  personal  conviction.  Koenig  believed  at  such  occasions  to 
preach  salvation  to  the  living,  and  not  to  eulogize  the  dead,  and  ex- 
alt them  to  heaven  when  there  was  no  such  evidence  at  hand. 

He  took  sick  at  Bremen,  where  he  stayed  during  the  last  year 
of  his  life.  He  suffered  greatly,  but  bore  it  patiently  until  his  de- 
mise. He  was  survived  by  3  sons,  one.  Rev.  Benj.  E.,  member  of 
the  Indiana  Conference,  who  was  one  of  his  own  converts  in  Bra- 
zil, Ind.,  and  1  daughter.  Shortly  before  his  death  he  said,  "Eter- 
nity and  God,  how  little  and  insignificant  one's  work  does  seem, 
and  how  weak  and  imperfect  are  all  the  plans  and  energies  of  man. 
How  little  does  one's  own  preaching  appear  in  the  light  of  the  eter- 
nal glory  of  God.  But  how  precious  to  be  a  child  of  God — a  child 
saved  by  grace."     What  a  testimony  for  a  departing  child  of  God! 

J.  O.  Mosier,  P.  E.,  officiated  at  Bremen  and  had  general 
charge  of  the  funeral. 


SAMUEL  BAUMGARTNER   KRING    (1827-1893) 

This  man  of  God  entered  this  life  near  Johnstown,  Pa.,  Oct. 
6,  1827,  and  departed  very  unexpectedly,  Decatur,  Ind.,  July  28, 
1893.    His  body  was  interred  in  the  Hicksville,  Ohio,  cemetery.    His 

187 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

parents  were  farmers,  and  belonged  to  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. In  this  church  Samuel  was  reared  and  was  converted  in  a 
camp-meeting  when  but  13  years  old.  He  then  also  joined  his  par- 
ents' church  and  lived  an  active  and  consistent  Christian  life.  His 
class,  called  Cambria,  recommended  him  to  the  Western  Pennsyl- 
vania Conference  in  the  spring  of  1849  for  license  to  preach,  which 
was  granted.  He  continued  in  the  active  ministry  until  death, 
serving  in  all  43  years — 2  years  in  the  Western  Pennsylvania  Con- 
ference and  33  in  the  Pittsburg  Conference,  of  which  he  was  a 
charter  member  when  organized  in  1852,  and  8  years  he  gave  ox- 
cellent  service  in  the  Indiana  Conference.  He  was  ordained  as 
deacon  in  1852  and  as  elder  in  1854.  He  served  16  years  as  presid- 
ing elder  in  the  Pittsburg  Conference,  and  represented  this  Con- 
ference 4  or  5  times  as  a  delegate  to  General  Conference,  and  filled 
other  important  positions  of  trust  in  that  Conference. 

FIELDS   HE   SERVED 

In  1850-1  he  served  Summerset  Circuit  with  Daniel  Sill ;  1851- 
2,  Center  Circuit  with  Rev.  Dellinger;  1852-3,  Warren  Station 
(Pittsburg  Conference  from  now  on)  ;  1853-4,  Allegheny  Mission; 
1854-6,  Summerset  again;  1856-7,  Allegheny  Mission  again;  1857-8, 
Indiana  and  Cambria  Circuits;  1858-9,  Cambria  Circuit;  1859  he 
located,  due  to  impaired  health;  1860-1,  Indiana  and  Clearfield  Cir- 
cuits; 1861-2,  Cambria  again.  In  1862  he  was  newly  elected  as 
presiding  elder  and  stationed  on  Summerset  District,  and  con- 
tinued in  this  work  16  years.  His  service  in  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence began  April,  1886,  although  he  served  a  work  in  the  Confer- 
ence in  the  past  year  as  a  supply.  He  served  Hicksville,  2  years ; 
Watchtower,  Elkhart,  1888-90;  Kendallville,  1890-2,  and  Decatur, 
until  his  death.  While  he  was  reading  in  the  Bible,  sitting  in  a 
rocking  chair,  making  preparation  for  his  Sunday  work,  the  death 
messenger,  without  a  warning,  called  him  to  rest. 

He  was  a  man  of  excellent  judgment  and  of  safe  counsel.  He 
often  was  appointed  on  important  judiciary  committees.  When 
the  Civil  War  broke  out  he  was  bitterly  opposed  to  slavery,  and 
though  he  did  not  feel  it  his  duty  to  leave  the  Master's  work  to  vol- 
unteer for  the  army,  he  declared  if  he  were  drafted  to  enter  army 
life  he  should  consider  it  a  call  from  God,  and  would  go.  Once  in 
the  early  part  of  his  ministry  he  met  with  a  serious  accident  that 
might  have  proved  fatal.  He  was  thrown  from  his  horse,  and  with 
one  foot  caught  in  the  stirrup,  he  was  dragged  along  for  some  dis- 
tance. He  always  considered  this  event  a  miraculous  intervention 
of  Providence  in  his  behalf.     He  also  passed  through  many  severe 

188 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

trials  during  his  ministry,  but  none  so  great  as  the  trial  that  came 
during  the  division  in  the  church.  He  was  of  a  peace-loving,  char- 
itable and  loyal  disposition,  willing  to  suffer  wrong  rather  than  do 
wrong.  He  took  no  active  part  in  the  conflict  that  rent  his  beloved 
church,  but  it  greatly  grieved  him  to  see  his  children  in  the  min- 
istry with  their  husbands,  on  account  of  it,  become  estranged  from 
his  church  which  he  dearly  loved  and  for  which  he  sacrificed  his 
whole  life. 

He  was  quite  successful  in  the  ministry.  Many  souls  were  led 
to  Christ  by  his  ministration.  He  was,  it  is  said,  "more  powerful 
in  revival  meetings  by  his  personal  work  than  by  preaching."  His 
fruit  was  largely  "hand-picked."  He  strove  more  for  quality  than 
quantity.  He  was  an  excellent  pastor  and  comforter  to  the  sick 
and  needy.  His  sympathy  for  those  in  trouble  was  real,  and  his 
intercourse  with  the  people  warm  and  cordial.  D.  S.  Oakes  said: 
"His  preaching  was  sound  in  doctrine,  clear,  logical,  forceful  and 
practical.  His  sermons  were  unctuous  and  edifying,  mostly  ex- 
pository rather  than  hortatory,  and  did  not  fail  to  reach  the 
hearts  of  the  people." 

He  was  married  to  Anna  Stull,  daughter  of  Rev.  John  Stull 
of  near  Johnstown,  Pa.,  Sept.  12,  1853.  To  them  were  born  3 
daughters,  two  of  whom  married  ministers  of  the  Gospel — Rev. 
C.  C.  Poling,  father  of  the  famous  temperance  worker,  Daniel  Pol- 
ing, and  Rev.  C.  C.  Beyrer.  Mrs.  Poling  was  for  a  number  of  years 
engaged  in  evangelistic  work,  and  led  many  souls  to  Christ.  At  the 
obsequies  of  Bro.  Kring,  F.  E.  Zechiel  officiated  at  Decatur,  Sun- 
day evening,  July  30,  assisted  by  M.  W.  Krueger  and  H.  Steininger. 
At  the  services  at  Hicksville  D.  S.  Oakes  officiated,  assisted  by  W. 
H.  Mygrant  and  S.  H.  Baumgartner. 


REV.  J.  N.  KRONMILLER  (1817-1896) 

The  person  of  this  sketch  was  born  March  15,  1817,  in  the 
town  of  Nassig,  Amt  Wertheim,  Grossherzogtum  Baden,  Germany. 
His  father's  name  was  Jacob,  who  was  a  smith  by  trade,  and  with 
it  he  also  managed  the  hotel  business  of  his  father.  J.  N.  was  at 
this  time  6  or  7  years  old.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Schles- 
man.  He  w^as  the  youngest  of  three  brothers.  In  his  sixth  year  he 
began  going  to  school,  and  did  well  in  all  studies  except  writing. 
His  parents  were  Lutherans  in  faith,  and  in  this  faith  reared  up 
their  children.  He  wrote  in  his  day-book,  "I  remember  the  time 
when  I  found  grace,  about  the  eleventh  year,  but  owing  to  the  fact 

189 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


that  I  had  no  Bible  instruction  and  edification  in  spiritual  things, 
I  became  quite  careless  and  lived  about  in  the  ordinary  run  of  the 
world."  Yet  with  this  manner  of  living  he  believed  himself  to  be 
living  in  the  service  of  God,  After  he  was  out  of  school  he  became 
an  apprentice  in  wagon-making,  which  trade  he  continued  in  until 
he   entered  the   Gospel  ministry. 

In  1840,  June  20,  he,  with  his 
betrothed,  Appolina  Wiesman,  em- 
igrated from  Germany  to  Rotter- 
dam and  then  across  the  Atlantic 
Ocean  to  Baltimore,  Maryland ; 
thence  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  where 
they  were  married  in  August,  1841. 
Here  they  lived  about  one  year, 
and  then  moved  to  a  small  town 
called  Vandalia,  in  Montgomery 
County,  Ohio.  At  this  place  our 
preachers  preached.  Like  Paul's 
preaching  to  the  Greeks,  so  the 
preaching  of  these  Albright 
preachers  seemed  foolishness  to 
him,  and  on  that  account,  he  says, 
"I  opposed  them  very  hard  until 
finally  the  power  of  the  truth  so 
thoroughly  convinced  me  that  I 
had  no  more  rest,  day  and  night, 
until  I  found  peace  and  rest  in  the 
wounds  of  a  crucified  Saviour.''  His  penitential  struggle  was  a 
hard  one.  His  wife,  who  was  a  Catholic,  bitterly  opposed  him,  and 
scolded  him  for  such  foolish  ideas  he  now  had.  But  finally  she  was 
moved  to  read  up  on  the  new  birth,  and  read  out  of  her  own  Catho- 
lic Bible  the  third  chapter  of  John's  Gospel,  and  was  seized  with 
•conviction,  and  convinced  of  the  error  of  her  way,  and  sought  par- 
don for  her  sins,  and  became  soundly  converted.  He  speaks  of  his 
experience  thus :  "The  Lord  gave  me  victory  on  the  evening  of  Nov. 
1,  1843.  Oh,  what  a  joy  I  received,  my  pen  cannot  describe  it."  He 
was  converted  under  the  labors  of  Revs.  Aaron  Jampert  and  Fred- 
erick Meyer. 

Right  from  his  conversion  he  felt  a  strong  inward  desire  for 
the  salvation  of  his  fellow-men.  He  was  soon  thereafter  elected  as 
class-leader,  showing  ability  in  leadership,  and  continued  as  such 
for  eight  years.  In  1851  he  took  up  the  work  of  a  colporteur  and 
traveled  for  18  months  for  the  "American  Tract  Union  Society." 

190 


J.  N.  KRONMILLER 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

On  April  24,  1852,  he  received  a  license  as  preacher  on  probation 
from  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Vandalia  society ;  A.  B, 
Schafer  was  presiding  elder,  and  A.  E.  Dreisbach,  pastor.  But  on 
account  of  "fear  of  men,"  he  says  he  did  not  preach  much.  On 
June  2,  1853,  he  entered  the  active  ministry  in  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference. The  session  was  held  in  East  Germantown,  Wayne  Co., 
Indiana,  and  he  was  assigned  to  DeKalb  Mission  in  North-eastern 
Indiana  and  North-western  Ohio. 

His  first  year  in  the  ministry  resulted  in  only  one  conversion. 
This  greatly  discouraged  him,  but  the  Lord  strengthened  and  sus- 
tained him.  His  salary  for  this  year  was  the  meager  sum  of  $76.68. 
May  31,  1854,  the  Conference  session  was  again  held  in  East  Ger- 
mantown, and  he  was  appointed  to  St,  Mary's  Circuit  with  H. 
Strickler  as  assistant.  This  field  consisted  of  18  to  20  appoint- 
ments in  Allen,  Huntington,  Wabash,  Wells,  Adams  Counties,  In- 
diana, and  east  into  Ohio.  After  the  session  he  hurried  home  and 
moved  his  family  from  Bean  Creek  near  Defiance,  Ohio,  to  Fuhr- 
man's  settlement,  7  miles  north-west  of  Decatur,  Ind.,  arriving 
there  June  16,  well  preserved.  Here  he  found  a  frame  church  and 
parsonage  which  at  this  time  were  few,  and  hence  much  appreci- 
ated. On  this  charge  he  says  the  Lord's  work  progressed  slowly, 
the  spirit  of  disunion  was  prevalent  in  some  places,  and  being  yet 
inexperienced,  he  was  afraid  he  could  not  manage  affairs,  but  he 
took  recourse  to  God  for  counsel,  and  not  in  vain.  On  his  first 
round  he  was  seized  with  chill-fever,  so  prevalent  in  those  days, 
which  made  traveling  very  hard.  He  says,  "That  on  his  way  home, 
in  a  forest  where  no  one  knew  where  he  was,  he  could  get  no  fur- 
ther; he  dismounted  his  horse,  had  scarcely  tied  his  horse  when 
he  became  unconscious,  but  after  awhile  he  regained  consciousness, 
remounted  the  horse,  stopped  over  night  at  Schnuerlein,  and  Nov. 
24  resumed  his  trip  home,  and  met  with  another  serious  mishap 
between  Willshire,  Ohio,  and  Decatur,  Ind.,  where  his  horse  slipped, 
dislocated  a  hind  leg,  and  had  to  be  killed.  This  occurrence  brought 
him  into  a  severe  temptation.  The  devil  accused  him  that  he  was 
not  called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel,  or  else  this  mishap  would 
not  have  befallen  him.  But  to  his  great  consolation,  Bishop  John 
Seybert  came  just  then  into  his  charge,  helped  him  in  a  meeting, 
and  through  his  sermon  Kronmiller  became  so  greatly  encouraged 
that  suddenly  all  temptation  left  him.  But  what  was  he  now  to 
do  to  fill  his  appointments  without  a  horse,  and  no  money  to  buy 
one?  The  Bishop  advised  him  to  start  a  list  among  his  members 
for  financial  aid  to  buy  another  horse,  which  he  did.  But  another 
disappointment  met  him,  when  he  had  traveled  with  his  new  horse 

191 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

from  an  appointment  (Raudebush's),  north  of  Fort  Wayne,  over 
very  rough  roads  to  L.  Dustman's  in  Huntington  County.  He 
found  the  next  morning,  when  he  saddled  his  horse,  that  it  was  so 
stiff  that  it  could  not  walk.  So  he  had  to  borrow  a  horse  to  make 
his  round,  and  when  he  came  back  to  Leininger's  to  preach  a  few 
days  later,  Dustman  had  his  horse  there  for  him.  That  night  he 
put  up  his  horse  in  Leininger's  stable  in  which  his  own  horses 
were.  The  next  morning  he  found  his  horse  badly  kicked  and 
bleeding  profusely.  Even  the  preacher's  horses  had  a  hard  time, 
and  were  often  mistreated  by  unfriendly  brutes  of  its  like.  So  he 
was  obliged  to  walk  sixteen  miles,  leading  his  horse,  weakened  by 
the  loss  of  blood.  He  says,  "Oh,  how  the  enemy  tried  to  drive  me 
from  the  field."    All  this  occurred  on  one  trip  on  his  field. 

March  5,  he  again  was  downhearted,  having  had  frequent  at- 
tacks of  fever,  was  very  poor  and  again  this  year  received  only 
$76.00  salary.  A  barrel  of  flour  cost  $10.00,  but  in  spite  of  pov- 
erty he  kept  trusting  in  the  Lord.  On  March  15,  he  desired  and 
prayed  for  more  holiness  and  a  better  consecration  to  God,  that 
he  might  better  resist  temptations  and  do  more  eff'ectual  work  for 
God. 

At  the  Conference  session  held  at  Ott's  settlement,  near  Syra- 
cuse, Ind.,  in  1855,  he  was  assigned  to  Fulton  Circuit.  At  this  ses- 
sion he  was  ordained  deacon.  He  says  regarding  the  ordination, 
"Oh,  what  an  important  hour  this  was  for  me,  I  shall  never  forget 
it."  On  Thursday  following  the  Conference  session  he  was  already 
on  the  way  to  his  new  field  which  extended  from  five  miles  west 
of  Plym.outh  to  three  miles  south  of  Peru  (Sharpee's  class),  and 
from  Barnheisel's  class,  near  Gilead,  west  to  Rensselaer,  Jasper 
County,  over  nine  counties. 

No  record  was  kept  of  his  experience  for  a  while  because  it 
seemed  to  him  his  preaching  was  not  as  successful  as  that  of  other 
brethren,  and  he  was  willing  to  go  through  this  world  unnoticed. 

At  the  session  of  1856,  held  in  Mt.  Caimel,  111.,  June  4,  he  was 
again  returned  to  Fulton  Circuit.  A  water  famine  prevailed  dur- 
ing this  summer,  crops  were  short,  and  of  course,  salary  also.  This 
year  he  had  19  appointments  in  five  counties,  preached  nearly  every 
day,  and  met  with  a  bodily  rupture.  The  Conference  sessions  be- 
ing changed  to  fall,  it  made  the  year  16  months.  On  this  field 
he  was  much  hindered  with  fever  among  the  people,  but  he  won 
a  goodly  number  of  souls  for  Christ  and  the  church. 

At  the  session  held  at  East  Germantown,  Ind.,  Sept.  2,  1857, 
he  was  ordained  elder,  and  was  assigned  to  Marshall  Circuit  in 
Illinois.     This  was  a  large  field  extending  75  miles  westward  to 

192 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Vandalia,  but  was  a  good  year,  resulting  in  many  conversions  and 
accessions.  No  record  is  made  from  this  time  to  1873.  From 
Marshall  he  was  sent  to  Warrington  Circuit  in  1858,  now  Elber- 
feld.  Then  to  Mt.  Carmel  in  1859,  then  back  to  Marshall  in  1860, 
then  to  Montgomery  Circuit,  Ohio,  his  old  home,  in  1861.  He 
says,  "It  went  hard  to  go  to  my  home."  Here  he  stayed  two  years. 
September,  1863,  he  was  assigned  to  Defiance  Mission  and  re- 
mained tw^o  years,  then  to  Clay  City  Mission  in  Indiana  for  two 
years,  then  to  Olney,  111.,  for  two  years,  which  proved  to  be  his  most 
successful  years  in  the  ministry;  but  he  had  also  hard  trials  and 
conflicts  to  combat  with.  In  1870  he  was  appointed  to  Carmi, 
which  also  was  a  very  successful  year,  many  being  converted  in 
Enterprise  and  Grayville,  then  a  part  of  Carmi  charge.  He  re- 
cords that  July  2,  1871,  a  prayer-meeting  was  held  3  miles  west 
of  Carmi  in  a  farm  house,  at  which  time  twelve  persons  were 
gloriously  converted.  It  was  a  happy  time,  and  the  building  of  a 
church  in  Carmi  was  a  further  result  of  this  meeting.  In  the  ses- 
sion of  1871  he  was  again  stationed  to  Mt.  Carmel.  Some  persons 
were  converted.  In  1872  and  1873  he  served  Huntingburg  Cir- 
cuit; here  he  had  a  few  conversions,  then  in  1874-75  he  again 
served  Carmi  with  good  success.  In  1876  and  1877  he  again 
served  Warrington  Circuit  and  built  Tabor  Church.  In  1878  he 
was  assigned  to  Cincinnati,  which  charge  he  served  three  years, 
which  were  quite  successful  years  with  a  net  gain  in  membership 
of  55,  At  the  session  held  at  West  Salem  in  1881  he  was  for  the 
third  time  assigned  to  Mt.  Carmel.  February  14,  1882,  his  dear 
companion  died.  But  he  continued  in  the  ministry,  and  at  the  ses- 
sion of  1882  he  was  again  assigned  to  Cincinnati.  This  was  a 
year  of  sore  trials,  but  the  Lord  helped  to  bear  the  cross.  In  1883 
he  was  returned.  Success  followed  his  efforts  here  each  year.  In 
1884  Rockfort  Mission  was  assigned  to  him.  In  April  of  this  year 
he  again  entered  matrimonial  life  with  Mrs,  Louisa  Spengeman,  a 
widow,  whose  maiden  name  was  Lohmeier,  He  found  it  hard  to 
serve  this  mission.  In  1886,  at  the  Conference  session  held  in  Mt. 
Carmel,  he  located  after  serving  in  the  Gospel  ministry  33  suc- 
cessive years.  At  this  time  his  bodily  strength  was  considerably 
impaired.  He  was  now  69  years  old.  He  indeed  endured  the  hard- 
ships of  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ,  incident  to  a  ministerial 
pioneer's  life  in  the  early  history  of  the  church.  He  was  faithful 
to  his  trust,  anxious  for  souls,  fervent  in  spirit,  abounding  in  per- 
sonal work,  zealous  for  God  and  the  church.  Thoroughly  Evangel- 
ical, he  fearlessly  exposed  sin  and  its  effects. 

193 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

He  made  Carmi  his  last  stopping  place  on  earth  and  here  he 
spent  the  evening  of  life.  He  died  Aug.  22,  1896.  For  eight  years 
he  gradually  grew  weaker  and  more  helpless,  and  had  to  be  cared 
for.  But  he  never  murmured,  but  patiently  surrendered  himself 
to  God  and  His  will.  For  seven  years  this  man  of  God  had  to  be 
fed  as  a  child  by  his  patient  Christian  wife.  Victoriously  he  passed 
over  into  the  promised  land  of  rest.  His  body  awaits  the  resur- 
rection of  the  just  in  the  Carmi  Cemetery.  G.  Koch  and  I.  H. 
Griesemer  spoke  at  his  funeral,  and  L.  J.  Ehrhardt,  O.  Markman, 
F.  Dauner  and  J.  A.  Maier  also  took  part,  and  other  ministers 
served  as  pall-bearers. 

In  the  Civil  War  he  took  a  stand  for  the  abolition  of  slavery, 
as  did  the  church.  He  gave  one  son  for  the  emancipation  of  the 
Negro  slaves,  who  was  killed  in  the  army.  He  saw  much  sorrow  in 
his  own  family  life  by  reason  of  sickness  and  death.  Wife  and 
eight  children  preceded  him  in  death.  He  is  survived  by  his  sec- 
ond wife,  three  sons  and  two  daughters. 


JACOB  KRUMEISEN    (1837-1862) 

This  brother  was  born  in  Switzerland,  Jan.  1,  1837,  and  died 
in  the  hospital  of  Holly  Spring,  Mississippi,  Dec.  9,  1862.  He 
came  to  America  with  his  parents  in  1858,  and  settled  near  Olney, 
111.  In  March  (probably  1869)  he  was  converted  to  God  and  united 
with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He  manifested  a  deep  piety 
and  godly  conduct,  and  thus  gained  the  confidence  of  the  people 
in  and  out  of  the  church.  Realizing  the  call  of  God  to  preach  he 
yielded  and  was  licensed  by  the  Indiana  Conference  as  a  preacher 
on  probation  in  Sept.,  1861.  He  served  well  as  a  local  preacher. 
When  the  Civil  War  broke  out  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  enter  army 
life  in  the  interest  of  the  Union  and  abolishment  of  slavery.  He 
became  a  soldier  of  the  63rd  Regiment  of  the  Illinois  Volunteers. 
As  a  soldier  he  also  acquitted  himself  nobly  to  the  extent  that  he 
was  advanced  to  important  hospital  services.  Here  he  labored 
faithfully  and  untiringly  in  spiritual  and  bodily  nursing  of  the 
wounded  soldiers,  and  "achieved  a  high  order  of  respect  and  confi- 
dence from  all."  His  early  departure  caused  great  sorrow  and  re- 
gret among  the  comrades  as  also  at  home.  In  him  the  church  lost 
a  promising  young  man.  No  record  of  his  burial  could  be  found, 
but  likely  occurred  near  Holly  Spring,  Miss. 

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FRED   LAUNER    (1831-1901) 

Bro.  Launer  was  born  Oct.  4,  1831,  in  Lauterbrunnen,  Switz- 
erland, and  died  near  Laurel,  Jamhill  Co.,  Oregon,  April  24,  1901. 
He  came  to  America  with  his  mother  in  '46,  and  located  near  01- 
ney,  111.  Under  the  preaching  of  ministers  of  the  Evangelical 
Association  he  was  led  to  repentance.  He  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  and  served  her  for  nearly  50  years.  Soon  after 
conversion  he  exhibited  marked  aptness  for  the  Gospel  ministry, 
and,  heeding  God's  call,  was  recommended  by  the  class  and  licensed 
by  the  Indiana  Conference  in  Sept.,  '65,  as  preacher  on  probation. 
For  20  years  he  was  an  honored  member  of  this  Conference,  giv- 
ing excellent  and  successful  service. 

He  served  Mattoon  charge  in  Illinois  2  years ;  Carmi  Circuit, 
2  years ;  Vandalia  Circuit,  2  years ;  Fulton  Circuit,  2  years ;  St. 
Mary's  Circuit,  1  year ;  Elkhart  Circuit,  3  years ;  St.  Mary's  Cir- 
cuit again,  1  year;  Greenville  Circuit,  2  years;  Winchester,  2  years; 
Mt.  Carmel,  1  year ;  West  Salem,  2  years.  In  '86  he  moved  to 
the  Oregon  Conference  and  served  1  year  as  supply  on  Newbury 
and  Dayton  Circuit.  On  account  of  failing  eyesight  he  had  to  lo- 
cate, which  was  done  with  reluctance.  He  said  to  Rev,  J.  E.  Smith, 
"It  was  only  after  I  could  not  read  at  all,  and  I  became  tired  of 
threshing  out  straw  that  T  became  willing  to  locate."  He  was  or- 
dained as  deacon  in  '68,  and  as  elder  in  '70. 

Launer  was  an  "earnest,  conscientious  preacher,  and  sought 
the  conversion  of  sinners  rather  than  the  applause  of  men."  He 
had  many  souls  for  his  hire.  He  bore  his  affliction  with  Christian 
courage,  his  faith  in  God  remaining  strong  and  steady  to  the  end. 
During  the  winter  of  '91  his  health  rapidly  failed.  He  had  a  great 
desire  to  attend  Conference  session  once  more  and  meet  Bishop 
Esher,  who  was  to  preside ;  but  both  died  before  the  session  of  the 
Oregon  Conference  took  place,  and  met  in  heaven.  He  died  sud- 
denly while  in  his  barn  doing  chores. 

In  '85  he  was  married  to  Mary  Bushong.  To  them  were  born 
12  children,  9  of  whom  survived  him.  One  son,  F.  W.,  is  a  minis- 
ter of  the  Oregon  Conference,  and  one  in  the  United  Evangelical 
Church.  Rev.  J.  E.  Smith  officiated  at  his  funeral,  with  the  breth- 
ren  F.  Harder,  A.  Weinert,  E.  D.  Hornschuch  and  E.  L.  Jones 

assisting.  

HENRY  MAIER   (1831-1864) 

This  brother  was  a  native  of  Weisloch,  Heidelberg,  Germany, 
born  Jan.  1,  1831.  He  was  reared  and  confirmed  in  the  faith  of 
the  Reformed  Church.     Henry  came  to  America  in  '52,  and  first 

195 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

located  in  Tiffin,  0.,  where  he  married  Katherine  Umbach  in  '53, 
who  also  had  come  with  him  to  America.  From  here  they  moved 
to  Melbern,  in  Williams  Co.,  O.,  where  he  became  acquainted  with 
people  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and  upon  attending  their 
services,  was  awakened  to  the  need  of  salvation,  and  was  thor- 
oughly converted  to  God  in  '59.  He  united  with  the  Jerusalem, 
now  Oak  Grove  class,  of  Edgerton  Circuit,  and  remained  true  to 
the  Evangelical  Association  until  death.  For  a  number  of  years 
he  served  as  class-leader,  and  then,  in  '62,  the  Indiana  Conference 
licensed  him  as  preacher  on  probation. 

In  the  spring  of  '64  he  entered  army  life  in  Regiment  68,  Ohio 
Volunteers.  He  was  shot  July  22  of  this  year  in  the  Battle  of  At- 
lanta, Ga.,  by  a  bullet  that  penetrated  through  both  of  his  legs  near 
the  body.  He  was  taken  to  the  field  hospital.  His  wounds  healed 
nicely,  and  he  was  about  to  come  home  when  he  took  seriously  ill 
with  camp  dysentery  and  died  Sept.  17,  1864.  Maier  was  a  loyal 
follower  of  God  on  the  battle-field,  ''holding  and  attending  prayer- 
meetings  in  tents."  Shortly  before  death  he  was  asked  by  a  fellow- 
soldier  about  his  hope  of  eternal  life,  to  which  he  replied,  "It  is 
clear;  I  am  ready  to  die."  He  was  survived  by  his  wife  and  6 
children.    His  interment  was  made  somewhere  in  the  South. 


JOS.  A.  MAIER  (1836-1914) 

Joseph  was  born  Oct.  23,  1836,  at  Obermachtal,  Wuertt^mberg, 
Germany,  and  died  of  old  age  in  Carmi,  III,  Sept.  26,  1914.  His 
body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Maple  Ridge  Cemetery  near  Carmi. 
His  father  was  a  carpenter  and  a  member  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Church.  Joseph  finished  the  ordinary  German  school,  graduating 
with  honors.  After  this  he  learned  the  cooper  trade,  following  it 
until  he  entered  the  ministry. 

He  was  converted  to  God  at  Carmi  under  Wm.  Wessler's  la- 
bors in  '56,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He 
served  3  years  in  the  Civil  War  with  the  87th  Illinois  Infantry. 
After  the  war  the  Carmi  class  recommended  him  to  the  Indiana 
Conference,  and  in  Sept.,  '66,  he  was  licensed  and  assigned  to  the 
following  fields:  1866-8,  St.  Mary's;  '68-70,  to  Richmond  Mis- 
sion; '70-72,  to  Evansville;  '72-74,  Mt.  Carmel;  '74-75,  to  Mound 
City;  '75-76,  Jonesboro.  Then  he  located  on  account  of  family 
conditions.    He  was  ordained  deacon  in  '68,  and  as  elder  in  '70. 

He  had  ordinary  success  in  the  ministry.  He  was  rather  slow 
in  speech  and  lacked  animation  in  delivering  his  sermons.  He  was 
often  opposed  to  introduce  English  preaching  into  the  congregation 

196 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

where  it  was  really  needed,  being  quite  jealous  for  the  German, 
even  to  the  injury  of  Christ's  kingdom.  He  was  German  class- 
leader  for  years  after  he  located. 

He  was  married  to  Clara  Erkman,  Aug.  7,  1865.  of  Carmi, 
111.,  and  had  4  children.  His  wife  and  one  son  survived  him.  Pas- 
tor A.  G.  Stierle  officiated  at  his  funeral,  and  was  assisted  by  J.  W. 
Feller  and  Martin  Speck. 


MELCHIOR  MAYER   (1815-1888) 

The  earthly  life  of  Rev.  Melchior  Mayer,  of  whom  this  brief 
history  gives  an  account,  began  January  26,  1815,  in  Westheim, 
Canton  Germersheim,  Rhoinpfalz,  Bavaria,  Germany,  died  in  Mt. 
Carmel,  Aug.  8,  1888.  His  body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Mt.  Carmel 
Cemetery.  His  father's  name  was  John  Jacob,  who  died  August 
10,  1833.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Mary  Eva  Deshler. 
This  union  was  blessed  with  six  children.  He  received  the  rite  of 
water  baptism  as  an  infant,  with  Melchior  Eisenhardt  and  Eva 
Kath.  May  as  godfather  and  godmother  respectively.  His  par- 
ents were  pious  and  devoted  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church, 
who  reared  their  children  to  be  religious  and  devoted  to  their 
church,  sending  them  regularly  to  school,  where  they  were  taught 
to  reverence  and  obey  the  Bible,  and  received  catechetical  instruc- 
tion along  with  other  studies  they  pursued.  They  were  taught 
to  faithfully  attend  all  of  the  church  services,  and  as  much  as  pos- 
sible adhere  to  all  that  was  good  and  pure.  Thus  we  see  that 
Melchior  Mayer  was  reared  in  a  religious  atmosphere,  and  early 
imbibed  Christian  principles,  and  enjoyed  good  educational  ad- 
vantages. In  his  autobiographical  sketch  nothing  is  said  as  to  his 
manual  work  as  a  young  man,  nor  of  his  moral  conduct  in  life. 

In  1829,  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years,  having  satisfactorily 
completed  the  course  of  catechetical  instruction,  he  was  confirmed, 
and  for  the  first  time  permitted  to  partake  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
When  he  was  thirty  years  old  he  decided  to  enter  the  matrimonial 
life  with  Anna  Caroline  Hostermann.  Their  civil  marriage  took 
place  June  28,  1845,  and  their  church  marriage  July  13,  1845. 
Pastor  Roos  officiated.    They  lived  in  Westheim, 

In  the  spring  of  1851  there  arose  a  strong  desire  in  their 
hearts  to  emigrate  to  America.  They  began  to  make  the  neces- 
sary preparation  for  this  interesting  voyage  across  the  Atlantic. 
On  the  9th  of  September  they  left  their  fatherland,  and  after  48 
days'  sailing  they  arrived  safe  and  sound,  on  November  4,  at  New 
Orleans,  La.     On  the  5th  of  November  they  left  for  Evansville, 

197 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Ind.,  per  steamboat,  where  they  arrived  November  17.  Here  they 
were  met  by  his  cousin,  Jacob  Mayer,  who  was  ready  for  an  in- 
land trip  with  a  wagon  team,  and  drove  the  same  day  to  Newburg, 
and  the  next  day  they  reached  their  destination  at  the  farm  of  an- 
other cousin,  John  George  Mayer,  ten  miles  from  Rockport,  Ind. 
Here  he  settled  with  his  family,  living  on  the  farm  of  his  cousin, 
John  George. 

When  M.  M.  arrived  here  with  his  wife  and  two  daughters  they 
were  almost  penniless ;  they  felt  lonely  and  forsaken  in  a  new  and 
strange  country.  But  they  were  soon  visited  by  German  settlers, 
who  were  Christians,  and  gave  them  needed  help  and  encourage- 
ment. A  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Evangelical  Association  was 
being  held  November  25-26,  to  which  Mayers  and  Deshlers,  a 
brother-in-law  and  his  wife,  who  came  with  them  from  Europe, 
were  invited.  They  consented  to  go.  Brother  Henry  Bachmann 
came  for  them.  Bros.  Geo.  A.  Blank,  P.  E.,  F.  Wiethaupt,  P.  C, 
and  F.  Scheuermann,  a  traveling  minister,  conducted  the  quarterly 
meeting.  M.  says,  ''They  preached  the  Word  of  God  clearly  and 
powerfully.  We  were  at  once  inwardly  convinced  that  we  were  not 
right  with  God,  and  cannot  in  our  present  moral  condition  be 
saved."     Here  we  see  the  providential  leadings  of  God. 

These  ministers  went  to  Huntingburg,  Ind.,  to  hold  a  quar- 
terly meeting,  and  invited  Mayer  and  Deshler  to  go  along.  They 
concluded  to  go.  Brethren  at  Rockport  provided  them  with  horses 
to  ride,  and  Bro.  Romig  went  along  as  guide.  While  at  Hunting- 
burg they  faithfully  attended  the  services.  M.  says,  "Here  I  fully 
learned  to  know  myself,  and  felt  that  a  change  of  heart  must  take 
place.  I  became  a  penitent,  acknowledging  my  sins,  and  continued 
until  I  found  peace,  joy  and  conscious  salvation  on  November  30, 
1851."  At  this  time  he  also  united  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. A  week  later  his  wife  was  also  happily  converted  and  joined 
the  church.  "From  now  on,"  he  says,  "we  served  the  Lord  in 
weakness,  and  made  use  of  every  opportunity  to  attend  the  preach- 
ing of  God's  Word  and  the  prayer-meetings,  which  was  not  in 
vain,  for  we  made  progress  continually,  and  grew  stronger  in  the 
cause  of  Christ." 

In  1852,  their  class  being  divided  in  two,  M.  was  elected  as 
class-leader  for  the  second  class,  and  served,  he  says,  "in  great 
weakness,"  but  the  Lord  was  with  him.  He  served  the  class  from 
May,  1852,  to  November,  1854.  During  this  time  he  often  felt  con- 
strained to  preach  the  Gospel.  He  revealed  his  call  to  Brother  Wm. 
Bockman  and  Jacob  Keiper,  his  pastors.  K.  brought  his  call  to  the 
ministry  to  the  attention  of  his  class,  which  then  gave  him  a  rec- 

198 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

ommendation  to  the  Quarterly  Conference  at  Huntingburg,  where 
he  also  was  received  as  a  preacher  on  probation  in  November,  1854. 
He  now  began  preaching  in  Rockport  and  vicinity.  When  his  call 
to  the  ministry  was  plain  to  him,  he  said,  "I  will  go  as  soon  as  the 
w^ay  opens."  One  day  a  minister  came  and  said  to  him,  "Come 
along  and  enter  the  work."  He  was  then  in  the  field  working  with 
a  team,  and  at  once  unhitched  his  horses,  got  ready  and  went 
along.  This  was  in  May.  June  2nd,  1855,  at  the  Conference  ses- 
sion held  in  Otts  settlement,  near  Syracuse,  Ind.,  he  was  received 
into  the  itinerancy,  and  with  Wm.  Wessler  was  appointed  to  Du- 
bois Circuit,  to  which  he  belonged  since  he  was  a  member  of  the 
church. 

Thus  his  real  work  as  a  minister  dates  from  June,  1855.  He 
kept  a  daily  record  of  his  travels,  where  he  preached,  when,  and 
from  what  text.  His  first  text  was  Romans  1 :  16.  Surely  he  was 
not  ashamed  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  for  he  experienced  that  it  was 
a  power  unto  salvation.  In  these  days  many  camp-meetings  were 
held,  which  the  brethren  on  the  districts  faithfully  attended,  and 
all  took  their  turn  at  preaching.  He  made  a  record  of  all  texts  that 
were  used  by  the  different  pastors,  and  often  stated  with  what  spir- 
itual results.  Dubois  Circuit  was  composed  of  Huntingburg  City, 
Maple  Grove,  Rockport,  Zoar,  Grandview,  Warrington,  Bluegrass, 
Kohlmeier's,  Paris,  Broomville  and  Evansville. 

M.  M.  served  the  following  fields :  Dubois  Circuit  from  Sep- 
tember 1855-6 ;  here  he  had  some  fifty  accessions,  and  nearly  as 
many  conversions.  Clay  County  Mission  from  September,  1856-7. 
This  was  a  newly  formed  mission  with  six  appointments  (of  which 
Terre  Haute  was  one)  and  eighteen  members.  Sickness  hindered 
him  greatly  in  his  work.  At  the  Conference  session  held  at  E. 
Germantown  in  September,  1857,  he  received  his  ordination  as  dea- 
con. He  served  DeKalb  Mission  from  September,  1857-9.  In  May, 
1858,  he  had  a  very  severe  illness,  caused  by  taking  cold,  which  laid 
him  up  for  nearly  a  month.  He  reports  a  camp-meeting  which  he 
attended  in  August,  1858,  at  Fuhrman's,  near  Decatur,  Ind.,  where 
many  were  converted.  Twenty-seven  adults  were  baptized  by  A. 
B.  Schaefer,  and  199  took  part  in  the  Lord's  Supper.  The  second 
year  on  this  mission  was  again  a  successful  one  in  conversions,  ac- 
cessions and  spiritual  quickening  of  the  believers.  He  was  or- 
dained elder  at  the  session  of  September,  1859.  He  traveled  White- 
water Circuit  from  September,  1859-60,  with  ten  appointments. 
Montgomery  Mission  from.  1860-1.  This  year's  work  resulted  in 
18  conversions.  On  this  field  a  son  was  born  to  them,  but  died  soon 
after.     Marshall  Circuit  was  in  his  care  from  September,  1861-63. 

199 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

He  relates  a  trip  he  made  with  his  family  to  Huntingburg  camp- 
meeting.  The  weather  being  extremely  hot,  ague  was  prevalent. 
His  two  daughters  took  sick  on  their  return  with  fever,  and  they 
were  obliged  to  tarry  at  Warrington,  near  Tabor,  Elberfeld  Cir- 
cuit, where  Margaret  died  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  and  was 
laid  to  rest  in  Tabor  Cemetery.  She  was  her  mother's  support, 
who  was  weakly.  Their  return  from  here  was  a  very  sad  one.  The 
second  year  on  Marshall  work  he  introduced  a  Christmas  enter- 
tainment with  a  decorated  Christmas  tree  and  presents  for  the 
children.  He  was  progressive.  He  says,  "Manifold  were  our  ex- 
periences on  this  field.  We  had  sickness  and  crosses  to  bear,  we 
had  testings  and  trials,  but  the  Lord  helped  through  them  all, 
praise  His  holy  name."  On  January  26,  1863,  on  his  48th  birth- 
day, he  prayed  as  follows :  "I  thank  Thee,  my  God  'and  heavenly 
Father,  that  up  to  this  time  Thou  didst  lead  me  with  patience 
and  love,  and  didst  give  manifestations  unto  many  good  things  and 
deeds,  both  bodily  and  spiritually.  I  pray  Thee  that  Thou  wouldst 
pardon  all  my  sins,  mistakes,  shortcomings  and  weaknesses,  and 
give  me  a  really  grateful  and  loving  heart,  and  strength  from  above 
that  I  may  always  love  Thee,  and  faithfully  serve  Thee  unto  a 
blessed  end,  through  Jesus  Christ,  my  Saviour.  Amen."  From 
September,  1863-5,  he  served  Evansville  Mission,  resulting  in  11 
conversions  and  some  accessions.  From  1865-7  he  was  mission- 
ary in  Louisville.  He  arrived  October  7,  and  soon  thereafter,  after 
a  general  testimonial  meeting,  opportunity  being  given  to  unite 
with  the  Evangelical  Association,  20  persons  united,  and  the  first 
church  of  the  Evangelical  Association  was  organized  in  Kentucky. 

M.  was  a  good  and  faithful  missionary.  In  February,  1866, 
he  held  a  revival  which  resulted  in  10  conversions  and  13  acces- 
sions, and  in  the  second  year  on  this  mission  he  held  a  meeting 
that  lasted  seven  weeks,  resulting  in  30  conversions  and  accessions 
for  which  he  greatly  praised  God. 

At  the  session  held  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  September  4,  1867,  he 
was  newly  elected  Presiding  Elder,  and  stationed  on  Whitewater 
District.  He  was  also  elected,  for  the  first  time,  a  delegate  to 
General  Conference,  to  be  held  in  Pittsburg,  Pa.  Many  successful 
quarterly  meetings  and  camp-meetings  were  held  during  this  term. 
In  the  third  and  fourth  year  he  was  considerably  hindered  by  ill- 
ness. On  September  8,  1871,  he  was  re-elected  Presiding  Elder 
and  assigned  to  Evansville  District,  and  was  again  elected  a  dele- 
gate to  General  Conference,  which  convened  at  Naperville,  111. 
On  arriving  in  Chicago  he  saw  the  terrible  devastation  of  that 
great  Chicago  conflagration  that  consumed  one-third  of  the  city. 

200 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

This  year  he  made  a  special  missionary  tour  to  Cairo,  111.,  and  held 
blessed  camp-meetings  at  Huntingbiirg,  Olney  and  Marshall.  This 
year  he  could  fill  all  his  appointments,  the  work  expanded,  there 
were  many  conversions  on  the  district.  The  second  year  of  this 
term  he  was  again  sick  for  three  weeks,  yet  three  successful  camp- 
meetings  were  held.  The  third  year  was  also  a  good  one.  At  the 
Conference  session,  held  September,  1875,  he  was  assigned  to  Cin- 
cinnati Mission,  was  re-elected  delegate  to  General  Conference,  to 
be  held  in  Philadelphia.  While  there  he  visited  the  Centennial  Ex- 
position buildings.  He  had  the  great  pleasure  to  help  establish 
the  Japan  Mission  (1875)  and  to  create  the  South  Indiana  Con- 
ference. He  says,  "At  this  General  Conference  $4,600.00  was  se- 
cured by  cash  and  subscriptions,  mostly  for  Japan."  On  the  way 
home,  in  company  with  Hoehn  and  Kaufman,  he  visited  the  United 
States  Government  buildings  in  Washington,  D.  C,  also  the  White 
House  and  the  Capitol.  In  September,  1876,  at  the  Conference 
session,  held  at  Bremen,  when  the  Indiana  Conference  was  divided, 
M.  cast  his  lot  with  the  new  South  Indiana  Conference,  and  had 
Evansville  Mission  assigned  to  him.  This  was  a  good  year,  re- 
sulting in  21  conversions  and  14  accessions.  In  September,  1877, 
he  was  returned  to  Evansville,  and  at  this  session  the  Conference 
time  was  changed  to  spring,  so  that  this  Conference  year  was  only 
a  half  year.  March,  1878,  he  was  again  returned  to  Evansville. 
March,  1879-81,  he  served  Carmi ;  March,  1881-84,  he  served 
Huntingburg,  and  his  last  field  was  Mt.  Carmel,  from  1884-7,  when 
he  located  and  made  Mt.  Carmel  his  home  for  the  rest  of  his  life. 

Thirty-two  and  one-half  years  he  stood  in  the  active  ranks 
without  intermission.  He  served  country  and  city  missions,  cir- 
cuits, stations  and  districts  with  tact  and  acceptability.  His  labors 
were  abundant  and  taxing  to  his  frail  body.  God's  people  were  edi- 
fied under  his  preaching,  strengthened,  grounded  in  love  and  es- 
tablished in  the  faith.  His  preaching  was  unctuous,  scriptural, 
plain.  In  March,  1887,  at  the  Huntingburg  session,  he  was  neces- 
sitated, owing  to  age,  illness  and  depleted  strength,  to  locate,  which 
he  did  reluctantly,  yet  he  was  very  grateful  to  God,  who  was  so 
wonderfully  with  him  throughout  his  ministry.  In  the  summary 
he  states  that  he  traveled  by  railroad,  steamboat,  and  per  horse  and 
buggy  75,330  miles,  and  preached  4,407  times. 

He  was  entrusted  with  various  important  and  responsible  of- 
fices, in  the  capacity  of  which  he  proved  himself  true,  faithful  and 
conscientious.  He  served  eleven  years  as  secretary.  He  was  Con- 
ference treasurer  of  the  South  Indiana  Conference  from  1876-86. 
He  was  a  true  and  earnest  Christian,  his  characteristics  which  he  in- 

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herited  were  augmented  in  the  service  of  God.  He  was  fervent  in 
spirit  and  effectual  in  his  appeals  to  the  people,  and  cordial  in  his 
intercourse  with  men,  firm  to  his  convictions,  fearless  in  exposing 
sin  and  wrong-doers,  opposed  to  pomp  and  hypocrisy  in  religion, 
popular  amusements,  intemperance  and  unrighteous  conduct.  He 
always  tried  to  be  at  his  post  of  duty.  He  peacefully  died  in  Mt. 
Carmel,  August  8,  1888,  aged  75  years,  6  months  and  12  days.  The 
following  is  the  Conference  memorial  report  concerning  his  death 
and  work : 

1.  Resolved,  That  we  lost  in  the  departure  of  Bro.  M.  Mayer 
a  decidedly  faithful  co-laborer  in  the  service  and  calling  of  the 
Gospel,  and  that  we  lost  in  his  departure  a  very  reliable  and  true 
servant  and  a  fatherly  counsellor,  and  that  we  greatly  realize  the 
loss  of  him. 

2.  Resolved,  That  although  we  deeply  realize  our  loss,  that 
we,  nevertheless,  rejoice  in  the  knowledge  that  this  worthy  departed 
left  a  clear,  definite  witness  of  his  godly  consecration  through  his 
life  in  hardships  and  sorrows,  and  is  now  entered  as  a  faithful 
servant  into  the  joys  of  the  Lord," 


CHARLES  McCONNEHEY    (1876-1907) 

Charles,  the  son  of  Wm.  and  Maggie  McConnehey,  was  born 
in  Monroe,  Adams  Co.,  Ind.,  Feb.  26,  1876,  and  died  Oct.  16,  1907, 
in  Decatur,  Ind.,  and  was  buried  in  Decatur  Maplewood  Cemetery. 
In  his  loth  year,  while  studying  the  Bible,  he  read,  "The  wages  of 
sin  is  death,"  which  Scripture  passage  made  a  very  deep  impres- 
sion upon  him.  At  once  he  decided  to  accept  Christ,  and  soon 
found  a  wonderful  peace  of  soul.  Six  months  later  he  united  with 
the  Evangelical  Association  in  Decatur,  Ind.  He  became  active 
in  the  church,  and  occasionally  would  go  out  into  the  country,  when 
but  17  or  18  years  old,  and  conduct  prayer-meetings.  In  the 
spring  of  '93  the  Decatur  class  recommended  him  to  the  Confer- 
ence, and  in  April  of  this  year  the  Conference  licensed  him  as 
preacher  on  probation.  From  youth  up  he  had  an  inclination  to 
preach,  and  when  yet  a  child  would  play  church  with  children,  him- 
self acting  as  preacher. 

When  he  was  4  years  old  his  parents  moved  to  Decatur.  He 
graduated  from  the  grammar  schools,  and  later,  for  one  term,  at- 
tended the  Angola  Normal.  He  was  of  a  studious  disposition,  but 
lacking  means  could  not  continue  his  school  life  as  he  desired. 
When  he  was  out  of  school  he  became  a  lather  in  the  summer  and 
an  egg-case  maker  in  the  winter. 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

On  Sundays,  when  others  sought  worldly  pleasures,  he  went  to 
the  Evangelical  Sunday-school  and  church  in  Decatur,  to  which  his 
mother  belonged.  He  was  one  of  the  faithful  in  attendance,  and 
won  the  prize,  a  Bible,  for  regular  attendance.  This  Bible  was 
highly  prized  by  him,  and  helped  leading  him  to  Christ. 

He  served  the  following  fields :   Noblesville  and  Cicero  with 

C.  D.  Rarey,  '98-9;  then  Altamont,  111.,  '99-1900;  then  Edgerton 
Circuit,  1900-1 ;  then  Lancaster,  111.,  1901-4 ;  then  Culver  Circuit, 
'04-6.  While  at  this  latter  place  his  health  suddenly  began  to  fail, 
and,  although  he  was  a  stoutly  built  man,  weighing  185  pounds,  in 
3  months'  time  was  reduced  to  135  pounds.  Here  a  great  revival 
was  conducted  by  his  Presiding  Elder,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  dur- 
ing the  second  year,  which  resulted  in  about  100  conversions,  all 
churches  in  the  town  participating.  Dancing  was  broken  up,  and 
the  dancing  master  said,  "It  will  be  6  months  before  another  dance 
can  be  had."  Bro.  McConnehey  attended  the  meetings,  but  did  no 
preaching,  owing  to  his  physical  condition.  Shortly  before  his 
breakdown,  by  urgency  of  his  Presiding  Elder,  he  took  out  insur- 
ance, which  proved  a  great  blessing  to  his  wife  and  3  children. 
At  the  close  of  this  year  he  thought  of  locating,  but  when  Con- 
ference was  in  session  at  West  Salem,  111.,  he  again  applied  for 
work,  so  anxious  was  he  to  continue.  E.  Germantown  was  as- 
signed to  him  April,  '96,  but  he  soon  found  that  disease  was  fast 
depleting  his  vitality,  and  by  the  urgency  of  his  doctor  resigned 
his  work  in  October,  and  moved  with  his  family  to  Decatur.  He 
then  took  up  collecting  insurance,  thinking  that  outdoor  life  would 
help  him.  On  the  15th  of  October  he  was  out  collecting,  but  that 
night  he  suddenly  collapsed  and  died  the  next  morning.  He  was 
ordained  deacon  April,  1900,  and  as  elder  in  1904. 

A.  B.  Haist  had  charge  of  the  funeral  service,  assisted  by  C. 

D.  Rarey,  A.  Van  Camp  and  others.  He  was  married  to  Mollie 
Dienst  of  Louisville,  Ky.,  who,  with  3  children,  survived  him. 

His  preaching  was  practical  and  usually  interwoven  with  con- 
siderable poetry,  sayings  of  other  men,  and  anecdotes.  He  won 
many  souls  for  Christ.  He  was  earnest  in  his  work  for  the  Lord, 
and  had  a  passion  for  souls.    His  decease  came  all  too  soon. 


HENRY  E.  MEYERS    (1864-1902) 

This  brother  was  born  in  Crawford  Co.,  Ohio,  May  29th,  1864, 
and  died  in  Oregon,  Mo.,  March  4th,  1902,  where  he  is  also  buried. 
He  received  a  common  school  education  and  early  in  life  gave  his 
heart  to  God  and   united  w'th  the  Evangelical  Association.     He 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

was  a  member  of  the  Salem  class,  Edgerton  charge,  where,  as  a 
young  man,  he  heard  and  heeded  the  call  of  God  to  the  ministry. 
His  class  duly  recommended  him,  and  the  Indiana  Conference 
licensed  him  in  1887.  He  was  sent  to  Ft.  Recovery  Circuit.  He 
was  timid  and  reserved,  which,  with  his  limited  education,  made 
his  beginning  in  the  work  very  difficult.  However,  he  staid  by  the 
work  and  developed  into  a  very  useful  man.  In  '88-9  he  served 
Defiance  Circuit;  '89-90,  E.  Germantown.  He  then  located  for  one 
year,  moving  to  Kansas.  In  '91  he  entered  the  Kansas  Confer- 
ence, serving  the  following  fields:  '91-3,  Winston;  '93-5,  Car- 
thage; '95-7,  Newton;  '97-01,  Derby,  and  '01-2,  Oregon  Mission, 
Two  weeks  before  the  session  of  the  Kansas  Conference  in  '02  he 
passed  away. 

Rev.  M.  C.  Platz,  his  Presiding  Elder,  said  of  him,  "He  w^as 
an  earnest  and  conscientious  preacher,  a  faithful  pastor,  ever  try- 
ing to  lead  souls  to  Christ,  He  was  conservative  and  cautious  in 
his  dealings,  not  given  to  trifling,  either  in  conversation  or  in 
business.    His  conduct  commanded  the  respect  of  all." 

He  married  Adell  Adair,  and  was  the  father  of  four  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  survived  him.  His  illness  was  brief,  and  death 
found  him  at  his  post  of  duty,  busily  engaged  in  collecting  money 
for  the  Conference,  His  Presiding  Elder,  M.  C,  Platz.  officiated 
at  the  funeral. 


SAMUEL  MIESSE   (1806-1883) 

Bro.  Miesse,  son  of  Jacob  and  Katherine  Miesse,  was  born  in 
Reading,  Pa.,  Feb.  2,  1806,  and  departed  this  life  Aug.  22,  1883, 
in  Greenville,  0.,  where  he  is  also  buried.  He  was  christened  as 
an  infant  by  Pastor  W.  Hendel  of  the  German  Reformed  Church, 
and  confirmed  by  Pastor  Meier,  Later  realizing  his  unsaved  con- 
dition, he  sought  and  found  salvation  through  faith  in  Christ, 
and  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association,  He  became  a 
faithful  member  of  the  church.  Hearing  the  call  of  God  to  preach 
"Christ  crucified,"  he  yielded,  and,  on  recommendation  of  his  class, 
was  licensed  as  preacher  on  probation  in  his  22d  year  by  the  East 
Pennsylvania  Conference. 

Some  time  later  he  entered  the  active  work  and  was  quite 
successful,  being  able  to  lead  precious  souls  to  Christ.  The  ex- 
posure to  all  kinds  of  weather  and  the  hardships  of  pioneer  work 
impaired  his  health  to  such  an  extent  that  he  was  obliged  to  lo- 
cate in  '42, 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

He  re-entered  the  active  work  in  '43  and  served  Lancaster; 
'44-6,  Mohawk  Circuit;  '46-7,  Syracuse  Mission  in  New  York;  '47- 
8,  Lake  Circuit.  In  '48  he  located,  due  to  impaired  health  and  tem- 
poral affairs.  He  was  ordained  deacon  in  Allentown,  Pa.,  March, 
'42,  and  as  elder  in  the  same  Conference  in  March,  '45. 

In  '53  he  moved  to  Greenville,  0.,  where  he  made  his  home 
with  is  brother.  Dr.  Gabriel  Miesse.  In  '81  he  became  paralyzed, 
which  affected  his  mind  more  than  his  body.  Although  he  was 
unable  to  recognize  his  loved  ones  he  did  not  fail  to  know  his  God, 
and  his  interest  in  Him  became  more  intensified,  continuing  in 
prayer  and  constant  communion  with  Him.  His  friends  verified 
"that  in  all  of  his  afflictions  he  never  said  anything  that  was  un- 
christian." But  on  Aug.  22,  just  before  his  decease,  he  rallied  for 
a  few  moments  and  said,  "Jesus,  bless  my  soul,"  and  then  in 
quietness  passed  away.  He  was  never  married.  He  was  survived 
by  2  brothers,  Dr.  Gabriel  and  John. 

Jacob  Miller,  pastor,  wrote  "that  his  whole  conduct  was  lov- 
able, friendly,  humble,  and  that  he  found  great  satisfaction  in  the 
Lord's  work.  Rev.  Miller  had  charge  of  the  funeral.  M.  W.  Stef- 
fey  preached  the  sermon,  and  the  city  pastors  served  as  pall- 
bearers. 


SAMUEL  K.  MIESSE  (1816-1882) 

This  brother  was  born  in  Berks  Co.,  Pa.,  March  4,  1816,  and 
passed  away,  Noblesville,  Ind.,  Sept.  18,  1882,  and  was  entombed 
in  the  Noblesville  Cemetery.  He  was  one  of  16  children.  He  was 
married  to  Phoebe  Bohner,  Nov.,  '37.  Six  children  were  born  to 
them ;  his  wife  and  4  children  survived  him.  He  was  converted 
to  God  in  Pennsylvania  in  his  13th  year,  and  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association.  He  was  faithful  in  the  service  of  Christ 
as  a  youth  and  made  commendable  progress.  In  '39  he  moved  to 
Fairfield  Co.,  0.,  and  continued  his  Christian  activities.  In  '40  his 
class,  having  given  him  a  recommendation  to  the  Western  Confer- 
ence (now  in  Ohio),  licensed  him  as  preacher  on  probation,  and 
assigned  him  to  Sandusky  Circuit.  In  '43  he  again  located,  con- 
tinuing thus  until  his  demise.  In  '59  he  moved  with  his  family 
to  Hamilton  Co.,  Ind.,  and  later  moved  into  Noblesville. 

His  pastor  at  the  time  of  his  death  said  of  him,  "He  occa- 
sionally preached.  His  sermons  were  clear,  simple  and  earnest, 
which  was  evidenced  by  conversions  that  followed  his  preaching 
in  former  years.  Miesse  loved  the  church  of  his  choice,  and  was 
always  willing  to  support  her,  her  institutions  and  doctrines.     He 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

especially  insisted  upon  the  true  and  tried  methods  of  church 
work."  The  Conference  record  shows  that  he  bequeathed  $500  to 
the  General  Missionary  Society.  He  was  the  chief  instigator  of 
our  former  work  in  Noblesville,  and  kept  things  moving  along 
while  he  lived  and  could  attend.  But  after  his  death  the  Society 
was  in  a  condition  like  that  of  a  wagon  wheel  with  the  hub  gone. 
He  was  modest  and  unassuming,  but  sociable  and  indulgent  with 
his  family.    Jos.  Fisher  and  D.  Martz  officiated  at  his  funeral. 


JACOB  MILLER   (1833-1891) 

This  brother  was  born  Feb.  1,  1833,  in  Merzheim,  Landau, 
Bavaria,  Germany,  and  died  in  Dayton,  0.,  Oct.  9,  1891.  He  was 
survived  by  his  wife,  3  sons  and  2  daughters.  He  was  deprived  of 
his  parents  early  in  life,  which  made  a  very  deep  impression  on  his 
mind,  and  somewhat  tended  towards  melancholia. 

HIS  CONVERSION  AND  WORK   IN  THE  CHURCH 

In  '53  he  came  to  America,  arriving  April  5th  in  Evansville, 
Ind.,  at  the  home  of  his  brother-in-law.  He  began  to  attend  the 
services  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and  under  Jos.  Fisher's 
administration  was  brought  under  conviction  and  led  into  deep 
repentance.  After  a  long  and  severe  struggle  he  found  Christ  pre- 
cious to  his  soul,  and  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion. He  now  became  active  in  the  church,  won  the  confidence 
and  esteem  of  the  members,  and  was  duly  recommended  by  them 
for  license  to  preach.  In  '64,  under  Mel.  Mayer,  he  received  an 
exhorter's  license,  as  then  customary,  and  served  acceptably  and 
successfully  in  this  capacity  for  2  years. 

In  Sept.,  '66,  when  the  Conference  was  held  in  Evansville, 
he  received  license  as  preacher  on  probation,  and,  with  John  Ber- 
ger,  was  assigned  to  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit.  In  '67-8  he  was  sent  to 
Carmi  Circuit.  In  '68-9  he  served  Clay  Co.  Mission ;  '69-70,  Mar- 
shall Circuit,  which  now  included  Clay  Co.  Mission.  In  '70-2  he 
served  Waupecong  (now  Bunker  Hill)  with  blessed  results.  In 
'72-3  he  was  partly  disabled  by  lameness  in  his  feet,  but  took 
Wabash  work.  He  labored  under  great  bodily  difficulties  and  col- 
lected money  for  a  new  church  building. 

The  church  was  built  and  dedicated  Aug.  3,  1873.  In  Sept. 
of  this  year  he  was  returned  to  Wabash  work  and  had  21  acces- 
sions. In  '73-4  he  served  Shelby  Mission  in  Illinois.  In  '75  he 
was  assigned  to  Wanatah  Circuit,  and  served  it  2  years  and  7 
months.  Conference  being  changed  from  September  to  April.    Dur- 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

ing  this  time  41  united  with  the  church.  In  '78-80  he  was  as- 
signed to  Newville  Circuit.  Here  he  did  not  succeed  so  well,  due 
to  language  and  other  hindrances.  In  '80-3  he  served  Montgomery 
Circuit  and  built  the  church  in  Phillipsburg  the  first  year.  In 
'83-6  he  served  Winchester  Circuit,  and  had  47  conversions  and 
32  accessions.  In  '87-8,  Ft.  Wayne,  with  14  accessions.  In  '88-9 
he  served  St.  Mary's  charge,  and  here  ended  his  active  ministerial 
work. 

Judging  by  the  results  of  his  labor,  Bro.  Miller  was  quite  suc- 
cessful. His  sermons,  his  biographer  said,  "were  not  made  up 
artistically,  nor  so  delivered,  but  they  were  biblical,  clear  and 
thorough."  His  sermons  were  somewhat  long  and  tiresome,  but  he 
was  sincere  and  earnest,  and  often  with  tears  pleaded  with  saint 
and  sinner  to  live  better  lives.  As  a  father  and  husband  he  was 
indulgent  and  much  concerned  for  the  comfort  of  his  family. 

FINAL    LOCATION 

In  April,  '89,  he  located  in  Dayton,  O.  Here  he  clerked  for 
a  while,  but  later  resumed  his  former  work  as  a  cooper,  continuing 
in  it  until  shortly  before  his  death.  He  felt  his  end  was  drawing 
nigh.  He  often  was  under  great  distress  in  body,  but  bore  the 
sufferings  with  patience  and  trust  in  God's  abounding  grace.  With 
full  assurance  of  endless  salvation  he  departed  into  eternal  life. 

He  was  ordained  deacon  Sept.,  '68,  and  as  elder  in  '70.  C.  F. 
Hansing,  P.  E.,  preached  his  funeral  sermon,  assisted  by  his  pas- 
tor, C.  C.  Beyrer,  and  M.  L.  Scheidler  and  G.  F.  Spreng. 


PHILEMON   MILLER    (1825-1894) 

Philemon  was  born  in  Fairfield  Co.,  0.,  March  7,  1825,  and 
died  in  Altamont,  111.,  April  26,  1894.  He  was  survived  by  his 
wife  and  son.  He  grew  to  manhood  at  his  birthplace,  and  enjoyed 
the  common  rural  school  education.  In  '48,  under  the  labors  of 
Abraham  Leonard  of  the  Ohio  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation, he  was  awakened  to  a  sense  of  his  need  and  led  to  repent- 
ance and  conscious  salvation.  He  then  also  joined  the  Evangeli- 
cal Association  and  remained  true  to  her  until  death. 

Being  faithful  to  God  and  the  church  he  was  elected  class- 
leader,  and,  later,  as  exhorter,  in  which  capacity  he  served  a  num- 
ber of  years.  He  married  Hannah  Powell  and  moved  to  Fayette 
Co.,  111.,  where  he  engaged  in  farming.  Also  here  he  took  an  ac- 
tive part  in  religious  work,  and  in  Sept.,  '66,  being  recommended 
by  the  class  at  this  place,  the  Indiana  Conference  licensed  him  as 

207 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

preacher  on  probation.  Tn  Sept.,  '67,  he  was  sent  to  Mt.  Carmel 
Circuit.  In  '68  he  moved  back  on  his  farm  at  Camp  Creek,  near 
Brownstown,  111.,  where  he  served  acceptably  as  class-leader  and 
as  Sunday-school  superintendent.  In  Feb.,  '94,  he  quit  farming 
and  moved  to  Altamont,  111.,  where  he  died.  Rev.  J.  H.  Schnitz 
officiated  at  the  funeral.  Interment  was  made  in  Zion  Church  Cem- 
etery of  Camp  Creek  Circuit. 


JACOB  MODE   (1836-1886) 

Rev.  Jacob  Mode  was  born  in  Rhein-Baiern,  Germany,  Sept. 
25,  1836.  His  parents  were  loyal  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church 
and  reared  him  in  their  faith.  He  obtained  a  fair  German  educa- 
tion and  a  good  Bible  training,  which  proved  to  be  of  great  value 
to  him  in  later  life.  He  came  to  America  in  1852,  at  the  age  of  16 
years,  landing  at  New  Orleans,  and  went  per  river  boat  up  the 
Mississippi  and  Ohio  Rivers  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Here  he  re- 
mained a  while,  and  learned  the  shoemaker  trade.  A  few  years 
later  he  removed  to  the  town  of  Harrison,  on  the  State  line  of 
Ohio  and  Indiana,  where  he  resumed  his  trade  as  shoemaker  and 
continued  in  it  until  1861.  He  then  moved  out  on  a  farm  about 
three  miles  from  Harrison,  where  he  remained  until  the  latter  part 
of  1867,  when  he  moved  to  Indianapolis,  Ind.  In  March,  1868,  he 
left  Indianapolis,  and  settled  on  a  farm  three  miles  north  of  Gray- 
ville,  Illinois. 

He  was  married  to  Mary  Kolb  in  1861,  and  it  was  near  Gray- 
ville  that  they,  for  the  first  time,  had  the  opportunity  of  hearing 
missionaries  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  They  were  very  fav- 
orably impressed  with  the  preaching  of  the  missionary,  the  sainted 
Rev.  John  Berger,  who  was  the  first  of  the  preachers  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  who  visited  this  community,  and  they  were  soon 
convinced  of  the  error  of  their  ways,  and  keenly  realized  the  need 
of  a  thorough  change  of  heart  and  life.  After  a  short  while,  un- 
der the  labors  of  the  tireless  Rev.  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  they  were  fully 
brought  into  the  light  and  soundly  converted  to  God,  and  then  also 
at  once  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association,  in  which  he  after- 
wards took  a  deep  interest. 

HIS  CALL  AND  WORK  AS  A  MINISTER 

It  was  not  very  long  until  the  call  of  the  Lord  was  heard 
by  Brother  Mode,  and  he  gladly  responded.  He  continued  in  this 
work  for  12  years,  first  receiving  an  appointment  as  a  preacher 
en  probation  under  the  Presiding  Elder  in  1874.     He  served  the 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

following-  fields  of  labor  faithfully,  tactfully  and  with  success  in 
the  old  South  Indiana  Conference:  Lake  Creek,  1876-8,  then  Lake 
Creek  and  Murphyboro  combined  in  1879.  Harrison  in  1880;  Ev- 
ansville  in  1881 ;  Mt.  Caimel  in  1883.  In  1882,  '84,  '86,  he  served 
in  the  local  relation  and  died  October  28,  1886.  He  was  survived 
by  his  wife  (who  has  joined  him  since  in  heaven)  and  seven  chil- 
dren ;  five  preceded  him  in  death.  His  funeral  sermon  was  preached 
by  Rev.  F.  Schweitzer,  then  Presiding  Elder,  and  his  body  was  in- 
terred in  the  Grayville  Cemetery,  awaiting  the  resurrection  of 
the  just. 

His  preaching  was  in  a  simple  style,  earnest,  moderate  in 
speed.  He  was  always  self-possessed.  His  statements  were  Script- 
ural, and  he  fearlessly  exposed  and  assailed  sin.  Those  who  heard 
him,  testify  that  his  preaching  was  unctuous  and  manifested  a  deep 
insight  into  Scripture.  He  wrote  most  of  his  sermons,  but  deliv- 
ered them  extemporaneously,  doing  this  for  clearness  of  expres- 
sion and  for  the  improvement  of  his  language.  As  a  revivalist  he 
was  moderately  successful.  He  was  quite  a  good  singer  and  did 
lead  out  well  in  congregational  singing.  His  last  sermon  was 
preached  shortly  before  his  demise  in  Grayville,  using  the  23rd 
Psalm  for  a  text;  he  was  then  quite  indisposed,  but,  as  his  friend. 
Rev.  F.  Dauner,  said,  "He  preached  a  powerful  sermon."  The 
memorial  report  of  the  South  Indiana  Conference  respecting  his 
life  is  as  follows,  showing  that  he  was  highly  esteemed  by  his  asso- 
ciate ministers :  "That  in  the  death  of  Jacob  Mode  the  Conference 
lost  a  faithful,  pious,  active  and  successful  co-worker." 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  not  more  of  his  life-work  can  be 
definitely  stated.  He  was  a  man  who  kept  a  faithful  record  of  his 
work  and  experiences,  but  soon  after  his  death  his  widow  had  the 
sad  misfortune  of  having  all  his  records  burned  in  a  fire  that 
threatened  to  consume  the  whole  house. 

This  brother  experienced  many  hardships  in  his  itinerant  life. 
He  served  his  appointments  from  home  except  three  years,  and  this 
fact  necessitated  him  to  make  long  and  dangerous  trips  at  times. 
Once  he  came  near  losing  his  life  while  on  an  itinerant  trip,  trying 
to  cross  the  Little  Wabash  River  at  Massilon,  111.  The  water  was 
frozen  over  with  ice  thick  enough  that  he  thought  he  could  cross 
with  safety,  but  the  ice  suddenly  broke  and  he  with  his  horse  got 
down  so  deep  that  his  feet  were  in  the  ice-cold  water,  and  after  he 
got  out  and  rode  home  with  wet  feet  both  he  and  his  horse  were 
badly  frozen.  This  incident  occurred  about  30  miles  away  from 
home.  Not  a  few  ministers  experienced  the  dangerous  thing  of 
trying  to  cross  the  Little  Wabash  River  bottoms  when  out  of  its 

209 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

banks  between  West  Salem  and  Little  Wabash  class  on  one  side 
and  Enterprise  on  the  other.  A  number  of  them  had  hair-breadth 
escapes  trying  to  cross  the  river.  Rev.  Jacob  Keiper  once  got  into 
quicksand  and  came  near  losing  his  life.  W.  H.  Luehring,  trying 
to  cross,  lost  his  horse  by  drowning  and  barely  saved  himself. 
Three  of  the  old  pioneer  preachers  once  crossed  the  river  at  Mas- 
silon  when  out  of  its  banks ;  they  were  warned  by  the  citizens  not 
to  undertake  it,  calling  it  ''foolhardy."  But  they  did.  Then  a 
number  of  citizens  concluded  they  must  be  horse-thieves  to  venture 
across,  and  a  posse  was  organized  and  followed,  and  overtook  them 
quite  a  ways  on  the  other  side,  and  asked  them  "who  they  were 
and  what  their  business  was."  When  these  Gospel  heroes  told  them 
who  and  what  they  were,  they  were  allowed  to  go  in  peace,  the 
posse  saying  to  them,  "We  thought  you  must  be  horse-thieves  be- 
cause you  were  determined  to  cross  the  over-flooded  river." 


ANDREW  NICOLAI  (1814- .  .  .  . ) 

Andrew,  son  of  Philip  and  Martha  Nicolai,  was  born  Bir- 
kenau,  Hessen-Darmstadt,  Germany,  Feb.  5th,  1814.  His  par- 
ents were  of  the  Lutheran  faith  and  reared  their  children  in  alll 
religious  strictness.  In  their  locality  it  was  considered  disgraceful 
to  kneel  in  prayer  and  to  sing  religious  songs  out  of  the  church. 
In  the  spring  of  1833  they  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Green 
Village,  Franklin  Co.,  Pa.  Here  they  came  in  contact  with  people 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  who  showed  themselves  friendly 
when  they  sustained  a  great  loss  by  fire.  They  began  to  attend 
their  services  and  came  under  evangelical  preaching.  Moving  to 
Chambersburg,  Pa.,  Andrew's  father  helped  to  construct  a  rail- 
road. While  tunneling  beneath  the  ground,  one  day,  the  earth 
caved  in,  killing  his  father's  co-laborer.  This  had  a  great  effect 
upon  him,  and  soon  led  to  his  conversion  and  that  of  his  wife  in 
a  United  Brethren  meeting.  Upon  removing  to  Vandersall's  set- 
tlement in  Ohio  they  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association. 

Andrew,  the  oldest  of  their  ten  children,  was  catechized  and 
confirmed  at  the  age  of  13,  and  attended  school  until  14  years  of 
age.  He  then  engaged  in  making  tiles  with  his  father  and  to  cut 
timber.  When  he  arrived  in  this  country  he  pursued  the  trade  of 
a  carpenter.  While  crossing  the  ocean,  in  which  his  life  was  in 
jeopardy,  he  promised  God  that  he  would  live  better  if  He  would 
grant  him  a  safe  voyage.  His  sea  resolution  was  neither  forgotten 
nor  carried  out,  for  he  held  that  "there  is  none  righteous,  no  not 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

one."  No  man  can  be  righteous.  However,  by  searching  the 
Scriptures  and  praying  he  discovered  that  there  were  righteous 
as  well  as  unrighteous  men,  and  the  light  began  to  dawn  upon  his 
darkened  soul.  His  parents,  who  had  found  Christ,  came  now 
to  Covington,  where  he  lived,  to  lead  him  to  Christ.  He  heard 
Rev.  J.  G.  Zinser,  one  of  our  preachers,  preach  a  sermon  on  "Work 
Out  Your  Salvation  with  Fear  and  Trembling,"  This  sermon 
brought  him  to  repentance.  One  Sunday  night,  in  1839,  he  went, 
with  a  heavy  heart,  to  a  prayer-meeting  in  his  father's  house,  sat 
down  by  his  brother-in-law,  who  was  class-leader,  and  while  they 
were  engaged  in  prayer  a  strange,  conscious  faintness  came  over 
him,  having  a  blissful  sensation.  Falling  to  the  floor  he  won- 
dered what  this  could  be.  It  could  not  be  a  swoon — it  must  be 
conversion !  Assurance  grew  stronger,  bliss  more  complete,  un- 
til he  sprang  to  his  feet,  leaping  for  joy  and  praising  God  with  a 
loud  voice.  Everything  seemed  new  and  fresh.  Reaching  home, 
he  opened  both  the  doors  in  his  house,  walking  from  one  to  the 
other,  praising  God  with  a  loud  voice.    He  was  too  happy  to  sleep, 

HIS  MINISTRY 

God's  voice  was  soon  calling  him  to  the  Gospel  ministry,  and 
on  May  the  28th,  1840,  he  received  exhorter's  license.  In  this 
capacity  he  served  with  much  joy  and  profit.  In  1842  he  and  his 
father,  together  with  their  families,  moved  to  Putnam  Co.,  Ind,, 
where  they  settled  on  tim.ber  land.  After  earning  enough  money 
he  purchased  a  40-acre  farm,  upon  which  he  built  a  small  log 
cabin.  Meanwhile  the  call  of  God  grew  more  urgent,  but  two 
things  hindered  greatly,  lack  of  means  and  the  leaving  of  his  fam- 
ily in  the  backwoods.  His  father  agreed  to  look  after  his  family 
in  part,  at  least,  so  he  borrowed  a  horse  and  rode  to  Conference 
at  Flat  Rock,  Ohio,  May,  1843,  He  received  license  to  preach  and 
was  received  into  the  itinerancy. 

He  was  assigned  to  Mt,  Carmel  Circuit,  with  C,  Lintner  as 
preacher-in-charge.  His  first  appointment  was  Big  Creek,  near 
Marshall,  111,  The  rains  were  falling  quite  heavily  at  this  time  of 
the  year,  but  he  managed  to  keep  himself  dry  with  a  sheep's  pelt. 
Arriving  at  Terre  Haute.  Ind.,  he  essayed  to  cross  the  Wabash 
River,  but  the  ferry-man  said  that  it  could  not  be  crossed  until 
the  morning  on  account  of  the  low  water  in  the  marshes  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river.  This  was  Saturday  night.  He  had  to  put 
up  at  a  hotel,  which  cost  him  $1.00,  and  in  the  morning  was  fer- 
ried across  the  river  at  a  cost  of  75  cents.  This  was  a  great  out- 
lay of  money  for  so  poor  a  man,  and  caused  him  no  little  worry, 

211 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

He  followed  the  National  Pike  to  Livingstone,  then  proceeded  south 
four  miles  to  cross  Big  Creek.  Here  he  learned  that  there  was 
great  danger  on  account  of  quicksand  in  the  stream,  so  he  pro- 
ceeded 4  miles  up  the  creek  to  a  bridge,  came  down  the  other  side, 
and  finally  reached  Manshart,  where  a  few  brethren  had  gathered 
to  hear  their  new  preacher,  Monday  he  traveled  40  miles  down 
the  Wabash  to  Dundore's  and  Shreffler's ;  Wednesday  he  preached 
at  Long's ;  Thursday  he  reached  Mt.  Carmel,  where  he  rested  a 
few  days,  only  to  retrace  his  way  back  home,  stopping  and  preach- 
ing at  all  the  points  on  the  way. 

After  8  days  he  started  back  to  Dundore's,  where  a  camp- 
meeting  was  to  be  held.  It  was  a  great  meeting;  sinners  came 
from  distances  of  40  miles  to  find  peace  and  salvation.  While  on 
his  first  trip  he  came  to  a  German  settler  who  was  trying  to  cut  a 
door  and  window  in  his  cabin,  and  was  making  such  hard  work  of 
it  that  Nicolai  said,  "Let  me  do  that  for  you,  seeing  I  am  left- 
handed."  He  was  astonished  that  a  "Pfarrer"  could  have  such  skill 
and  Nicolai  invited  him  to  this  camp-meeting,  to  which  he  came 
and  was  saved.  When  he  came  to  the  camp-meeting  and  offered 
Dundore  money  for  his  entertainment,  which  was  not  accepted,  he 
exclaimed,  "Why,  these  are  truly  remarkable  people ;  I  never  saw 
the  like." 

Upon  the  request  of  his  Presiding  Elder,  J.  J.  Kopp,  Hunt- 
ingburg,  Ind.,  was  taken  up  as  a  new  appointment.  J.  Trometer, 
a  local  preacher,  dwelt  here  and  had  paved  the  way  for  our  church. 
Glorious  meetings  were  held  here,  and  over  60  members  were  re- 
ceived into  the  church.  At  his  return  from  a  four-week  trip  he 
found  that  death  had  entered  his  home  and  had  taken  away  his  be- 
loved and  beautiful  daughter,  who  was  already  buried.  This  near- 
ly broke  his  heart,  for  he  was  very  much  attached  to  his  child. 

In  1844  Nicolai  was  returned  to  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit,  with  G. 
G.  Platz  as  junior  preacher.  His  father  helped  him  move  to  one 
end  of  his  circuit,  using  a  one-horse  wagon.  His  wife  walked  near- 
ly all  the  way,  and  on  trying  to  cross  a  stream,  over  which  a  log 
had  fallen,  she  lost  her  footing  and  was  plunged  into  the  stream. 
This  experience  cost  her  a  few  days'  serious  illness.  Nicolai  was 
greatly  hindered  during  this  year  on  account  of  malaria,  and  often 
he  would  go  to  his  appointments  when  he  was  hardly  able  to  sit 
upon  his  horse.  One  time  he  became  so  weakened  that  he  could 
go  no  further,  and,  tying  his  horse,  walked  to  the  first  house.  A 
young  woman  who  was  spinning  saw  him  come,  and  seeing  his 
fever-frenzied  eyes,  thought  him  insane  and  ran  out  the  back 
door.     He  sat  down  and  waited,  and  soon  a  young  man  came  and 

212 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

inquired  whether  he  were  not  sick.  They  put  him  to  bed,  sum- 
moned a  physician,  who  g-ave  him  a  treatment  that  fearfully  sali- 
vated him,  which  somewhat  impaired  his  memory.  Hearing  of  his 
illness,  some  of  the  brethren  came  after  his  horse,  and  when  he 
was  sufficiently  recovered  conveyed  him  to  his  home.  As  soon 
as  possible  he  was  at  his  post  again. 

At  one  time  he  received  the  apology  of  a  blacksmith  who  had 
shown  him  uncivil  treatment  in  his  home.  While  in  Mt.  Carmel 
he  and  Brother  Platz  were  holding  meetings,  which  a  certain 
blacksmith  attended.  Being  invited  to  the  home  by  the  good  wife, 
they  called  to  see  him.  When  he  came  in,  begrimed  with  soot,  they 
greeted  him  with  a  "How  do  you  do?"  to  which  he  responded, 
"Hum!  How  do  I  do?  We  are  to  love  God  supremely  and  our 
neighbors  as  ourselves,  and  not  as  you  insolent  fellows  do.  You 
condemn  everybody."  After  some  exchange  the  preachers  left, 
but  before  long  this  blacksmith  was  converted  and  made  apologies. 

When  his  time  at  Mt.  Carmel  was  up,  according  to  the  limit 
set  by  the  church,  he  took  his  family,  household  goods  and  all  to 
Conference,  20  miles  north  of  Chicago,  and  before  he  reached  Chi- 
cago his  wagon  that  conveyed  all  his  effects  broke  down.  He  had 
the  same  repaired  at  Chicago,  only  to  have  another  break-down 
ere  he  reached  the  place  of  Conference  session.  Bishop  Seybert 
happened  to  be  with  him  at  the  time,  and  rode  on,  taking  Nico- 
lai's  family  in  his  own  rig,  and  deposited  them  at  Ebingers,  whom 
he  also  sent  to  assist  Nicolai  with  his  broken  wagon.  At  last  they 
reached  the  place  of  Conference.  At  least  they  lost  nothing  by 
this  premature  action,  for  they  were  sent  on  north  to  Milwaukee 
Mission.  In  1846  he  located  for  one  year,  after  which  he  was  sent 
south  to  Dubois  Circuit.  It  was  a  year  of  great  prosperity  and  suc- 
cess, Rockpoit  especially  being  fruitful.  The  year  following  found 
him  at  the  same  field  with  equal  success,  Posey  Co.,  and  Maple 
Grove  at  Huntingburg  were  especially  prosperous  appointments. 
The  Maple  Grove  camp-ground  was  purchased  this  year  from  the 
Government  for  $50.00.  A  certain  parson  aided  greatly  to  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel  in  an  indirect  way.  He  came  to  the  home  of 
one  of  his  parishioners  in  a  drunken  condition  to  bury  a  child.  He 
was  put  to  bed  to  sober  up,  and  when  he  arose  the  sun  was  setting, 
and  he,  thinking  that  the  sun  was  rising,  said,  "Good  Morning." 
This  so  disgusted  the  people  that  they  were  ready  to  hear  the  Gos- 
pel from  sober  men.  Nicolai  attended  the  funeral  service,  and  an- 
nounced at  the  conclusion  that  he  would  preach  from  that  same 
text  that  very  evening  at  Schawley's.  Reutepoehlers,  the  bereft 
family,   attended  the  service,  received  new  light   and  were  soon 

213 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

converted  to  God.     This  made  a  large  entry  for  the  Gospel  in  this 
neighborhood. 

In  1850  he  had  a  narrow  escape.  Trying  to  cross  a  swollen 
stream  while  on  his  trip  through  Marshall  Circuit  he  found  when 
he  came  to  the  middle  of  the  river  that  his  horse  was  sinking  in 
quicksand.  With  greatest  difficulty  he  and  his  horse  reached  the 
shore,  each  swimming  out  for  themselves  as  best  they  could.  In 
the  process  his  sheep  pelt  slipped  half-way  off  the  saddle,  frighten- 
ing the  animal,  which  ran  away.  At  last  it  came  to  a  bayou,  and, 
fearing  quicksand,  halted.  Nicolai  crept  up  and  recaptured  the 
frightened  beast.  He  also  fished  his  saddle-bag  out  of  the  river, 
and  then  remounted  and  rode  back  to  his  brother's  home.  Upon 
finding  no  one  at  home,  he  entered,  made  a  fire,  and,  having  dried 
his  clothes,  proceeded  on  his  way  rejoicing.  Despite  the  hindrances 
it  was  a  year  of  great  success. 

In  the  years  1851-3  he  served  Hamilton  Mission ;  1852,  he 
became  a  charter  member  of  the  Indiana  Conference ;  1853-4  he 
served  St.  Mary's  with  considerable  success.  At  Newville,  in  the 
home  of  Emmanuel  Niederhauser,  he  celebrated  a  great  victory. 
Niederhauser  was  saved  himself,  and  his  house  became  a  place  of 
preaching  and  prayer.  At  one  time  such  power  was  manifest  that 
all  were  thrown  to  the  floor,  a  dance  in  the  neighborhood  was  broken 
up,  in  order  to  discover  what  the  commotion  might  mean.  In  the 
next  nine  years  he  served  the  following  fields  with  success :  De- 
Kalb  Circuit,  St.  Mary's  Circuit,  Fulton  Circuit,  Berrien  and 
Bremen. 

At  the  organization  of  the  Michigan  Conference  he  was  elected 
the  first  Presiding  Elder  of  the  new  Conference,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  eight  years.  After  several  years  of  service  as  a  pas- 
tor he  located  in  1876,  finding  a  home  in  Norvell,  Jackson  Co., 
Michigan. 

One  night,  while  still  on  the  district,  he  lost  his  way  in  the 
woods.  His  horse  suddenly  came  upon  a  fence  in  the  timber,  and 
could  advance  no  farther.  He  essayed  to  turn  his  rig  around  and 
retrace  his  way  when  his  horse  tripped  and  fell,  breaking  the  har- 
ness and  getting  its  hind  legs  under  a  pine  root,  and  lay  there  ab- 
solutely helpless.  He  loosened  the  rig  and  helped  his  horse  get  out 
of  the  tangle,  but  was  not  able  to  mend  the  harness  in  the  dark. 
So  he  tied  his  horse  to  one  tree  and  the  shafts  of  his  cart  to  another, 
while  he  wrapped  himself  in  his  buffalo  robe  and  spent  the  night  in 
his  cart.  Many  such  experiences  happened  to  him  and  to  others  of 
the  pioneers. 

214 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


HIS   PERSONALITY 

He  has  been  described  as  a  man  of  5  feet  9  inches  tall;  bald- 
headed,  round  and  fidl  of  face;  witty,  ready  at  repartee,  but  not 
boisterous.  He  was  genial,  sometimes  almost  taciturn.  He  had 
a  merry  twinkle  in  his  eyes,  giving  one  the  idea  that  he  was  laugh- 
ing more  with  the  eyes  than  the  mouth.  At  one  Conference  ses- 
sion, when  Bishop  Esher  delivered  a  masterful  ordination  ser- 
mon, in  which  he  emphasized  the  personal  assurance  to  the  call- 
ing of  the  ministry,  Nicolai  was  asked  how  he  liked  the  sermon. 
"Humph !"  he  replied,  "if  I  could  preach  like  that  I  would  not  doubt 
my  call  any  more,  either." 

As  a  preacher  he  was  biblical,  theological,  a  genius  at  exposi- 
tion, not  of  an  emotional  type,  nor  yet  very  enthusiastic,  but  al- 
ways instructive  and  convincing.  He  was  regarded  by  some  to  be 
the  most  profound  theologian  in  the  Conference  at  his  time. 

The  exact  facts  relative  to  his  demise  could  not  be  ascertained, 
but  he  died  at  Noivell,  Jackson  Co.,  Michigan,  in  the  triumphs  of 
faith.  He  had  been  married  to  Barbara  Schafer,  and  was  the  father 
of  twelve  children. 

He  was  a  great  man  of  God  and  did  a  noble  work  for  the  In- 
diana Conference  in  her  early  days. 


Rev.  D. 


D.  S.  OAKES   (1837-1906) 

S.  Oakes  had  an  interesting  and  eventful  life.  He 
was  born  Sept,  5,  1837,  in  Dau- 
phin Co.,  Pa.,  about  one  mile 
north  of  Union  Deposit,  on  the 
Swatara  River,  a  few  miles  from 
the  birthplace  of  Bishop  Jos. 
Long,  and  died  in  Ft.  Wayne, 
Ind.,  May,  1906,  and  survived 
by  his  wife,  4  sons  and  1  daugh- 
ter. His  body  was  interred  in 
the  Kendallville  Cemetery.  J. 
H.  Evans  had  charge  of  the  fu- 
neral and  delivered  the  sermon. 
Quite  a  number  of  other  minis- 
ters were  present  and  partici- 
pated in  the  memorial  services. 
His  father's  name  was  John,  and 
mother's  maiden  name  Mary 
Eshelman.  His  father  came, 
215 


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D.  S.  OAKES 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

with  his  parents  from  Ireland  to  America  when  six  years  old, 
and  settled  on  a  farm  near  Blairville,  Indiana  County,  Pa.,  later 
known  as  "Oakes  Knob."  After  John  had  grown  np  he  followed 
Thomas,  his  brother,  to  Lancaster  County,  Pa.,  where  he  married 
Mary  Eshelman  from  near  Elizabethtown,  Pa.  Her  ancestors 
were  early  settlers  in  Pennsylvania,  who  originally  came  from 
Europe,  probably  Switzerland.  The  grandparents  of  D.  S.  Oakes, 
on  his  father's  side,  were  Wesleyan  Methodist,  from  the  early 
introduction  of  Wesley's  doctrines  into  Ireland.  Frequent  relig- 
ious services  were  held  in  their  home.  His  mother's  parents  were 
German  Baptists,  to  which  faith  they  adhered  with  great  tenacity. 
His  father  was  converted  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
Realizing  the  expediency  of  knowing  German,  he  insisted  that  all 
his  children  should  learn  to  speak  it,  which  they  did.  Father  John 
Oakes  died  a  Methodist  as  a  licensed  exhorter.  His  death  occurred 
near  Elkhart,  Ind.,  in  1855,  to  which  place  he  had  moved  in  the 
spring  of  1850.    His  wife  died  in  1862  at  the  same  place. 

HIS   WORK   IN   YOUTH 

D.  S.  was  the  youngest  of  seven  children,  having  three  broth- 
ers and  three  sisters.  He  never  attended  German  school,  nor  had 
any  private  instructions,  except  what  he  received  at  home,  and  by 
asking  questions  of  German  men.  Hence  his  German  reading, 
writing  and  public  speaking  was  self-acquired,  and  quite  perfect. 
As  to  his  boyhood  days  he  says :  "I,  to  my  knowledge,  manifested 
no  extraordinary  traits  or  talents,  but  was  full  of  life  and  anima- 
tion, healthy  and  robust,  loving  play.  In  my  studies  I  never  was  in 
the  lowest  ranks  in  my  classes."  He  never  attended  any  but  com- 
mon country  district  schools.  .  From  childhood  he  was  accustomed 
to  work,  helping  to  take  care  of  his  father's  stock,  making  tons  of 
hay  annually,  cutting  grass  with  the  scythe,  raking  hay  with  hand- 
rakes,  cradling  and  binding  wheat  and  oats,  and  tramping  out 
wheat  and  oats  on  the  barn  floor,  which  was  very  tiresome  work. 
At  the  age  of  15  years  he  was  made  a  full  hand  in  work.  He  was 
a  vigorous,  ambitious  and  strong  youth,  willing  to  work  early  and 
late  for  50  to  75  cents  per  day.  He  was  also  a  great  reader  at 
spare  time. 

HIS  CONVERSION 

After  his  father's  death,  being  but  eighteen  years  old,  former 
restrictions  were  considerably  relaxed,  and  he  says,  "He  formed 
some  very  insalubrious  associations  which  had  a  bad  effect  on  him." 
On  Dec.  31,  1858,  he  went  to  Salem  (Smith's)  Church,  where  a 
watch-night  meeting  was  held.    Rev.  Jos.  Fisher  preached.    Oakes 

216 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

was  deeply  smitten  with  the  truth.  The  meeting  was  continued, 
and  he  frequently  attended  the  evening  services.  He  says,  "The 
arrows  of  conviction  sank  deeper  and  deeper,  until  the  evening  of 
the  17th  of  January,  while  there  kept  ringing  in  my  ears,  'Now 
or  never,  now  or  never.'  "  He  went  to  the  altar  of  prayer,  five 
nights  in  succession,  sometimes  moved  to  deep  emotions,  and  then 
again  realizing  a  hard,  callous  feeling.  He  says  that  if  he  had 
done  as  he  often  felt,  he  would  not  have  gone  out  a  second  time, 
but  when  he  started  he  determinedly  vowed  to  God  never  to  give 
up,  for  it  was  a  matter  of  principle  with  him.  On  the  fifth  even- 
ing, Saturday,  Jan.  21,  he  went  to  church  with  a  fixed  determina- 
tion that  that  night  the  conflict  must  come  to  an  end.  He  says, 
"There  was  a  terrible  struggle  during  the  altar  service."  He 
would  cry  out,  "I  will  not  leave  here  till  pardon  is  obtained,  till 
victory  is  won."  But  something  repeatedly  would  say,  "Yes,  you 
will,  yes,  you  will."  "The  meeting  will  close,"  "the  people  will 
leave,"  "the  lights  will  be  extinguished,"  "the  house  will  be  locked." 
These  sayings  he  thought  were  of  Satan.  But  Oakes  was  deter- 
mined on  finding  pardon  that  night,  and  said  to  himself,  "Though 
the  meeting  closes,  etc.,  yea,  if  I  die  here,  I  will  not  leave  here  until 
I  find  pardon."  Then  the  worst  struggle  began.  Up  to  this  time 
he  was  afraid  of  doing  or  saying  improper  things,  which  greatly 
hampered  him,  but  now  he  became  indifferent  to  these  things,  and 
oblivious  to  his  environments.  True,  the  congregation  was  dis- 
missed, most  of  the  people  left,  but  a  few,  Geo.  Smith  and  oth- 
ers, remained.  Oakes  remained  on  his  knees  praying  until  11 
o'clock,  when,  as  he  says,  "Suddenly  the  clouds  rolled  away,  the 
storm  subsided,  the  billows  quieted,  and  a  calm  peace  and  joy  pos- 
sessed me,  without  emotions  or  demonstrations." 

HIS  WORK  IN  THE  CHURCH  AS  LAYMAN 

When  an  opportunity  was  given,  on  Jan.  27,  1859,  to  become 
"dcntified  with  a  church,  he  felt  it  an  imperative  duty  to  join  the 
Evangelical  Association.  This  was  a  surprise  to  many  of  his 
friends  because  the  circuit  was  exclusively  German.  In  the 
spring,  Jos.  Fisher  called  a  meeting  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a 
Sunday-school.  D.  S.  Oakes  was  elected  as  superintendent,  the 
responsibility  of  which  seemed  impossible  for  him  to  assume,  but 
he  consented,  after  much  persuasion. 

SOME  EARLY  CONFLICTS 

Brother  Oakes  had  many  spiritual  conflicts  after  conversion. 
In  the  spring  of  1859   glowing  reports   of  rich  gold   discoveries 

217 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

came  from  Pike's  Peak,  and  he,  with  others,  got  the  "Pike's 
Peak  fever."  Young-  men  who  joined  church  with  Oakes  insisted 
on  his  going  with  them,  and  he  felt  it  his  duty  for  their  sakes. 
He  was  also  urged  by  his  brother  Benjamin,  who  offered  him  the 
money.  But  his  mother  vehemently  objected,  because  he  and  Ben- 
jamin were  her  youngest  children,  and  the  only  ones  at  home.  He 
yielded  to  her  wishes,  but  "Oh,"  he  says,  "what  a  conflict."  The 
second  conflict  came  when  the  Civil  War  broke  out.  He  felt  he 
should  enlist.  Mother  again  opposed  him,  pleading  with  tears, 
"Stay  with  me  until  I  die,  then  you  can  go  where  you  will."  Stay- 
ing at  home  became  an  intense  struggle ;  at  times  he  could  scarcely 
restrain  himself  from  going,  but  a  sense  of  duty  to  his  mother 
prevailed,  knowing  that  his  going  would  break  her  heart,  and 
bring  her  with  sorrow  to  the  grave.  During  the  summers  from 
1859-1862,  he  worked  at  carpentering,  and  in  the  winter  he  taught 
school.  In  1861-2  he  was  assessor  of  the  township.  In  August, 
1861,  he  was  elected  class-leader,  which  office  he  filled  acceptably 
one  year.  Up  to  this  election  he  wholly  exercised  in  English,  but 
now  being  leader  of  mostly  Germans,  he,  with  determination,  took 
up  the  German  and  with  perseverance  he  soon  succeeded. 

HIS  CALL  TO  THE  MINISTRY  AND  MINISTERIAL  WORK 

He  had  a  conviction  from  childhood  up  that  some  day  he  would 
be  called  to  the  ministry.  During  the  summer  of  1862  this  convic- 
tion deepened ;  the  call  became  imperative.  The  response  was  in- 
wardly, "Lord,  I  am  ready  whenever  the  way  is  fully  opened." 
About  the  middle  of  June  his  brother  Benjamin  sent  for  him  at 
Elkhart,  with  the  intelligence  that  his  mother  was  seriously  ill. 
He  laid  his  tools  aside  never  to  take  them  up  again  as  implements 
of  permanent  employment.  He  stayed  with  his  mother  until  her 
demise,  July  1.  Rev.  M.  Speck,  junior  preacher  of  the  circuit,  first 
spoke  to  him  about  his  call  to  the  ministry,  which  he  frankly  ac- 
knowledged. Later  Rev.  A.  Schaefer,  preacher-in-charge,  spoke 
similarly  to  him.  He  was  perfectly  acquiescent  to  the  Divine  will, 
believing  that  God  would  bring  all  things  to  pass  as  He  willed  it. 

Brother  Oakes  preached  his  first  sermon,  Aug.  24,  1862,  in 
Wahl's  school-house,  near  the  present  Smith  Church.  His  text  was 
"Watch  and  Pray,"  etc..  Matt.  26:  41.  The  week  following,  Bro. 
Schaefer  got  out  his  recommendation,  which  was  signed  by  nearly 
all  members  of  his  class  and  those  of  the  other  classes  of  the  Salem 
(Smith's)  society.  On  Friday  of  the  same  week  the  Quarterly 
Conference  voted  him  a  license  as  preacher  on  probation,  signed 
by  Jos.  Fisher,. P.  E.,  and  A.  B.  Schaefer,  P.  C.     At  this  time  the 

218 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Discipline  allowed  the  Quarterly  Conference  to  issue  licenses.  In 
September  he  went  to  East  Germantown,  where  the  Annual  Con- 
ference was  held.  Bishop  Jos.  Long  presided.  Here  he  was  re- 
ceived into  the  intinerancy,  and  was  assigned  to  the  extensive 
Fulton  Circuit  with  Michael  Alsbach  as  preacher-in-charge.  Their 
circuit  extended  into  eleven  counties  from  four  miles  west  of 
Plymouth,  south-eastward  to  six  miles  south  of  Warsaw,  then 
south-westward  to  seven  miles  south  of  Lafayette,  then  westward 
to  Medaryville,  and  back  to  the  starting  point,  preaching  daily, 
except  Saturdays.  It  took  three  weeks  for  one  to  make  the  round. 
Roads  were  bad,  conveniences  poor,  preaching  was  mostly  in  cab- 
ins and  school-houses,  the  hardships  were  many,  sleeping  accom- 
modations poor.  Yet  these  early  pioneers  murmured  little,  were 
happy  and  contented  in  the  Lord's  work. 

In  1863  he  was  appointed  to  Huntington  Mission,  with  seven 
appointments.  In  1864  he  was  ordained  deacon  by  Bishop  J.  J. 
Esher  at  Indianapolis,  where  Conference  was  held,  and  was  then 
sent  to  St.  Mary's  Circuit.  In  1865  Lafayette  Mission  was  as- 
signed to  him;  the  year  was  one  of  severe  trials,  the  membership 
being  very  small,  the  outlook  discouraging.  In  the  spring  of  1866, 
by  invitation,  he  went  to  Danville,  111.,  where  he  held  a  successful 
meeting  and  organized  a  society,  building  a  small  church  that  sum- 
mer. In  1866  he  was  ordained  elder  by  Bishop  J.  J.  Esher.  The 
Conference  was  held  in  Evansville,  Ind.  He  was  assigned  to  St. 
Mary's  Circuit  and  Huntington  Mission  jointly  with  J.  A.  Maier, 
Jr.,  colleague. 

HIS    MARRIAGE 

On  Oct.  16,  1866,  he  was  married  to  Mary  C.  Scott  of  Deca- 
tur, Ind.  Speaking  of  their  beginning  he  says,  "Clothing  and  gro- 
ceries were,  at  this  time,  extremely  high.  Ordinary  calico,  50 
cents  per  yard,  coffee,  50  to  60  cents  per  pound;  brown  sugar,  12 
to  15  cents  per  pound ;  flour,  $8.00  per  cwt. ;  all  else  in  proportion." 
They  began  housekeeping  with  $60,  which  she  had,  saved  by  her 
guardian.  His  salary  for  the  first  two  years  was  $100  per  year, 
and  third  and  fourth  years  $125.  At  this  time  it  was  customary 
to  report  at  Conference  the  surplus  salary  and  divide  with  those 
who  fell  short,  which  he  did  several  times.  Now  with  a  wife  he 
was  entitled  to  $250,  if  he  got  it.  Thus  we  see  the  spirit  of  self- 
denial  was  great  even  in  his  pioneer  days. 

In  1867  he  received  Elkhart  Circuit,  with  J.  K.  Troyer  as  col- 
league. Both  families  moved  into  a  small  parsonage  on  Solomon's 
Creek,  near  New  Paris,  Ind.,  each  having  two  rooms.     Two  small 

219 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

rooms  were  added  by  their  own  hands,  at  their  ow^n  expense.    Thus 
they  lived  together  in  happiness,  without  a  mar  or  jar. 

In  1869-70  DeKalb  Circuit  was  assigned  to  him,  with  J.  Wales 
and  H.  E.  Overmeyer  as  colleagues  respectively,  and  in  1871  he 
was  returned  to  Elkhart  Circuit,  with  W.  Wildermuth  as  assistant. 

HIS   WORK   IN   OREGON 

In  October,  1871,  the  Board  of  Missions  appointed  him  a  mis- 
sionary to  Oregon.  He  continued  serving  Elkhart  Circuit  until 
spring.  On  Monday,  April  29,  1872,  he,  with  the  family,  left  Elk- 
hart, and  started  on  their  long  and  hazardous  journey,  reaching 
San  Francisco,  Cal.,  Saturday,  May  4,  10  P.  M.  Father  Mar- 
quardt,  missionary  at  San  Francisco,  met  them  at  the  station,  with 
whom  they  shared  their  hospitality  until  the  following  Saturday, 
when  they  boarded  the  ocean  steamer  "John  L.  Stephens."  They 
landed  in  Portland,  Ore.,  Thursday  morning  next,  and  in  the  after- 
noon went  by  railroad  to  Salem,  where  they  met  Josiah  Bowersox 
and  family,  then  our  only  missionary  in  Oregon. 

The  field  assigned  to  Oakes  was  Albany  and  Corvallis,  county- 
seats,  ten  miles  apart,  on  Willamette  River.  They  made  their 
home  in  Albany.  They  bought  a  five-roomed  cottage  and  two  lots, 
the  first  property  they  owned.  He  says,  "We  liked  Oregon,  but  as 
far  as  church  work  was  concerned,  I  felt  that  nothing  could  be 
done."  So  in  the  fall  of  1873  he  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Board  of 
Missions,  giving  his  view  of  the  situation  thus,  "That  there  were 
no  prospects  to  become  self-supporting  for  many  years,  if  ever, 
and  that  we  were  throwing  away  our  money  and  efforts  which 
could  be  much  more  successfully  applied  elsewhere,  etc."  His  let- 
ter to  the  Board  was  a  long  and  definite  one,  ending  with  a  re- 
quest to  recall  him,  as  he  was  too  conscientious  to  remain  at  the 
expense  of  the  General  Mission  treasury.  He  was  known  for  his 
sincerity,  and  his  views  to  the  Board  were  later  voluntarily  cor- 
roborated by  letter  by  the  then  senior  Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  while  on 
his  way  to  Japan  from  Oregon.  The  Board  granted  him  leave  to 
return  by  spring,  1874,  but  believing  that  he  could  save  the  mis- 
sionary treasury  several  hundred  dollars  on  salary,  they  packed 
up  in  December  and  returned.  After  a  stormy  voyage  they  ar- 
rived, Dec.  24,  at  San  Francisco,  and  per  emigrant  train,  to  save 
expenses,  they  arrived  at  Elkhart,  Jan.  3,  1874. 

HIS  WORK  IN  INDIANA  CONFERENCE  AGAIN  RESUMED 

Early  in  the  spring  he  took  charge  of  the  Huntington  Mission, 
relieving  W.  W,.  Wildermuth.     At  the  Conference  session,  held  at 

220 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Noblesville,  Ind.,  September,  1874,  he  was  assigned  to  Mishawaka 
Circuit,  which  he  served  three  years  successively  with  great  re- 
sults, especially  the  second  year,  when  he  had  a  wonderful  re- 
vival, in  which  80  persons  were  converted,  of  which  the  older 
members  still  speak.  He  says,  "This  meeting  began  under  de- 
pressing and  discouraging  circumstances." 

In  the  spring,  1877,  he  was  stationed  on  Twin  Lake  Circuit, 
which  also  was  a  very  successful  year  of  seven  months,  the  Con- 
ference sessions  having  been  changed  to  spring  in  1876.  M.  W. 
Steffey,  P.  E.,  said  of  his  work,  "I  never  saw  so  great  a  change 
for  the  better  and  the  work  improved  in  so  short  a  time,  as  was 
the  case  here."  When  the  year  was  up  he  insisted  to  be  moved, 
contrary  to  the  wishes  of  his  Presiding  Elder  and  the  people,  but 
afterwards  he  resolved  never  to  do  so  again.  In  1878  he  was  sent, 
as  he  termed  it,  "to  the  almost  barren  and  lifeless  Benton  Circuit, 
a  bony  part  of  the  old  Elkhart  Circuit."  Because  of  the  uninhabit- 
able condition  of  the  parsonage  on  Solomon's  Creek  he  located  in 
Bremen,  30  miles  from  the  nearest  appointment.  This,  he  says, 
"was  a  hard,  fruitless  year,  and  did  not  receive  his  salary  by  sev- 
eral hundred  dollars."  He  says,  "Going  from  Twin  Lake  Circuit  to 
Benton  was,  figuratively,  jumping  out  of  the  frying-pan  into  the 
fire."  In  1879  he  was  again  assigned  to  Kendallville,  formerly  De- 
Kalb  Circuit.     On  this  field  he  spent  three  successful  years.     In 

1882  he  had  charge  of  East  Germantown  Circuit,  where  the  Con- 
ference session  of  1883  was  held,  when  he  was  newly  elected  as 
Presiding  Elder. 

He  served  in  the  office  of  Presiding  Elder  continuously  from 

1883  to  1905  as  follows:  Fort  Wayne  District,  1883-87;  Elkhart, 
1887-91;  Fort  Wayne,  1891-95;  Elkhart,  1895-97;  Indianapolis, 
1897-99 ;  Fort  Wayne,  1899-1903 ;  Indianapolis,  1903-04.  In  these 
years  he  often  felt  as  though  he  could  and  would  not  continue  in 
this  work,  owing  to  constant  travel,  exposure  and  responsibility, 
but  again  he  wished  to  obey  God  and  the  church.  In  1905,  at  the 
Rochester  Conference,  he  resigned  and  located.  He  was  the 
oldest  among  the  Presiding  Elders,  the  longest  in  service,  consid- 
erably depleted  in  bodily  and  mental  vigor.  He  served  longer  in 
this  office  than  any  other  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Conference. 

In  1904,  J.  M.  Haug,  Presiding  Elder  of  Louisville  District, 
died.  D.  D.  Speicher  filled  out  the  Conference  year.  At  the  fol- 
lowing Conference  session  D.  S.  Oakes  was  elected  Presiding  El- 
der. The  districts  were  assigned  to  the  Presiding  Elders,  but,  ow- 
ing to  hard  and  long  service,  midst  cares,  worries  and  responsibili- 
ties, Oakes  felt  in  justice  to  himself  that  he  could  not,  at  his  ad- 

221 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

vanced  age,  accept  the  assigned  district,  and  because  the  Confer- 
ence did  not  see  fit  to  make  an  extra  small  district  for  him,  he 
resigned,  though  reluctantly.  It  was  not  unwillingness  on  the  part 
of  the  Conference  to  grant  him  his  wish  by  creating  a  small  dis- 
trict for  him,  but  because  of  the  inexpediency  and  insuflflcient  com- 
pensation for  five  elders,  had  the  Conference  acceded  to  his  propo- 
sition. Not  wishing  to  take  a  charge,  believing  himself  incapaci- 
tated to  serve  as  pastor  after  so  many  years  in  Presiding  Elder 
work,  he  quit  the  active  ministry,  as  he  says,  "by  force  of  circum- 
stances and  on  the  responsibility  of  the  Conference."  But  he  did 
not  lay  down  his  Gospel  armor,  though  he  felt  greatly  relieved  to  be 
free  from  assigned  duty,  but  continued  preaching  frequently,  and 
assisting  in  revivals,  until  illness  prevented  him.  In  all,  he  was 
forty-two  and  one-half  years  in  active  service,  and  one  year  in  the 
local  relation. 

Brother  Oakes  was  a  staunch  and  loyal  son  of  the  church.  He 
was  conservative,  always  sincere,  frank,  open-hearted  to  those  who 
trusted  him,  and  true  and  firm  to  his  conviction.  He  was  a  wise 
and  safe  counsellor,  possessing  a  keen  insight  in  administrative 
things  and  careful  in  rendering  his  judgments.  This  made  him 
from  the  beginning  a  strong  leader  in  Conference  aff'airs.  His 
preaching  was  Scriptural,  unctuous,  convicting  and  convincing, 
and  at  times  very  eloquent  and  unique,  though  sometimes  he  got 
badly  brushed  in  his  efforts  to  preach.  He  despised  sham,  pomp,  apish- 
ness  and  self-praise.  He  disliked  indolence  in  ministers  and  re- 
garded it  almost  criminal  to  be  unfaithful  to  church  and  Confer- 
ence trusts.  In  business  affairs  he  was  exact,  economic  and  judi- 
cious. His  aspirations  were  to  be  useful  to  his  fellow-men,  and 
edifying  in  his  preaching.  He  never  claimed  to  be  without  faults 
or  human  weaknesses.  In  manual  work  that  had  to  be  done,  in  ar- 
ranging for  camp-meetings  or  building  churches,  etc.,  he  always 
did  his  share  of  the  work,  and  was  an  inspiring  example  to  younger 
brethren.  In  some  things  he  was  somewhat  eccentric  and  exact- 
ing— still  he  made  many  warm  friends.  He  possessed  quite  a 
sense  of  wit  and  humor,  was  jovial,  a  good  entertainer — almost 
limitless  when  relating  humorous  incidents  that  occurred  in  life. 
He  was  a  good  singer,  somewhat  of  a  poet,  and  a  successful  de- 
bater, especially  when  yet  in  his  full  vigor  of  body  and  mind. 

He  filled  all  the  offices  the  Conference  had  in  power  to  be- 
stow, and  discharged  his  duties  with  tact,  faithfulness  and  satis- 
faction. He  represented  his  Conference  24  years  as  trustee  of 
North-Western  College  from  1866-72  and  1885-1903.  For  some 
years   he  was   a  representative  to   the   Board   of   Missions.     Six 

222 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

times  he  was  a  delegate  to  General  Conference.  He  served  the 
Conference  as  secretary  in  both  languages  for  some  years.  He 
was  Conference  mission  treasurer  and  trustee  and  member  of  the 
Oakwood  Park  Association  for  some  years. 

Two  samples  of  his  poetry  are  here  inserted,  and  one  in  con- 
nection with  the  Semi-Centennial  Anniversary   (which  see). 


REMINISCENT 

In  eighteen  hundred  sixty-two 
I  started  out  to  preach, 
Having  nothing  else  in  view 
But  Gospel  truth  to  teach ; 
To  win  poor,  wandering  ones  to  God, 
Believers  to  edify; 

The  riches  of  Christ  to  spread  abroad, 
And  Him  to  glorify. 
I  did  not  seek  the  world's  applause, 
Nor  self  to  aggrandize. 
But  to  promote  His  glorious  cause. 
And  find  favor  in  His  eyes. 
I  was  weak  and  incompetent. 
Deficient  in  many  ways. 
But  humbly  trusting  forth  I  went 
Relying  on  God's  grace. 
I  tried  to  preach  but  once  before 
I  went  to  Conference ; 
It  was  to  me  a  trial  sore 
To  face  the  audience 
Composed  of  Christians  not  a  few, 
Class-leaders  three  or  four. 
And  the  Presiding  Elder  too, 
With  several  preachers  more; 
And  there  were  my  associates 
Of  youth  and  boyhood  days. 
With  nearly  all  my  church  classmates 
To  criticize  or  praise. 
The  sermon  was  not  over  long. 
And  sure  not  o'er  profound ; 
The  argument  not  striking  strong, 
Though  based  on  Scripture  ground. 
223 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

When  I  was  through  the  Elder  closed 
With  exhortation  strong, 
With  fervent  prayer  that  all  enthused 
And  soul-inspiring  song. 
The  time  I  surely  ought  to  tell, 
'Twas  on  a  Sunday  e'en : 
The  date  I  too  remember  well, 
'Twas  August  seventeen. 
In  Matthew's  gospel  was  my  text, 
The  Master's  counsel  terse. 
Contained  in  chapter  twenty-sixth, 
And  the  forty-first  verse. 
Thursday,  the  tenth  of  September, 
How  well  I  remember! 
We  seven  did  start 
Six  miles  north  of  Elkhart, 
To  Conference,  way  down 
At  East  Germantown. 
There  were  J.  Fisher  and  I, 
J.  M.  Gomer,  A.  Nicolai, 
C.  Ude,  P.  Thornton, 
And  M.  Speck,  the  seventh  one. 
Four  buggies  for  seven. 
Our  number  was  uneven. 
So,  having  a  rig  of  my  own, 
I  rode  mostly  alone ; 
But  once  in  a  while. 
The  time  to  beguile, 
My  friend,  Peter  T., 
Would  come  and  ride  with  me. 
The  first  day  till  noon 
We  reached  New  Paris  town. 
Where  we  all  got  our  dinners 
At  good  Brother  Zimmer's ; 
We  were  then  delayed  an  hour 
By  a  good  thunder-shower. 
But  yet  before  night 
Reached  Warsaw  all  right, 
Where  all  night  we  remained, 
Being  well  entertained. 
Next  day  all  went  well. 
And  we  reached  Immanuel, 
Where  friends  vv^ere  us  awaiting 
224 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

To  attend  a  quarterly  meeting, 
As  Fisher  had  arranged  for. 
Here  we  met  a  number  more 
Preachers,  who,  from  thence, 
Like  we,  were  going  to  Conference. 
Monday  found  us  en  route  again 
To  the  capital  city  on  the  train ; 
Tuesday,  with  our  numbers  swelled. 
We  reached  where  Conference  was  held. 
When  the  Conference  begun, 
Presided  o'er  by  Bishop  Long, 
All  proceedings  were  in  German, 
And  the  preaching,  every  sermon. 
Business  progress  was  but  slow; 
What  a  contrast  then  and  now! 
Then  every  little  business  question 
Was  discussed  in  open  session ; 
Now  no  matter  is  long  conferred. 
But  to  "committee"  is  referred. 
From  active  work  five  men  withdrew. 
While  only  three  came  in  anew ; 
Those  were  Schwille,  Bretsch  and  Ruh, 
And  Burgener  and  Geisel  too ; 
There  were  Thornton,  Dassel  and  I, 
The  vacant  places  to  supply. 
But  before  the  year  was  gone 
I  of  these  was  left  alone ; 
Thornton  shortly  homeward  hied, 
And  Dassel,  he  took  sick  and  died. 
I  was  sent  to  a  circuit  large. 
Papa  Alsbach  having  charge. 
Our  field  extended  far  and  wide. 
Three  liundred  miles  per  round  to  ride ; 
Twenty  odd  points  we  had  to  reach, 
'Most  every  day  we  had  to  preach ; 
With  endless  visits  to  be  made 
We  had  but  little  time  to  read ; 
My  studying  was  largely  done 
Upon  the  road,  when  all  alone. 
Many  lived  in  cabins  rude 
With  conveniences  crude. 
But  often  courteous  and  kind. 
To  hospitality  inclined. 
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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Our  services  we  mostly  had 
In  school-house,  cabin,  barn  or  shed ; 
When  we  held  them  after  night 
Tallow  candles  gave  us  light. 
Oft  we  used  for  public  meeting 
The  same  room  for  cooking,  eating, 
Entertaining,  laundry,  sleeping, 
And  for  general  housekeeping. 
Only  three  churches  in  all  our  round, 
Where  twenty-five  now  are  found. 
Alsbach  was  a  noble  soul. 
True  as  needle  to  the  pole; 
Like  a  father  he  was  to  me ; 
We  worked  in  perfect  harmony. 
His  preaching,  though  in  doctrine  sound, 
Was  not  regarded  as  profound. 
Nor  textual,  nor  topical. 
Nor  yet  in  general  practical ; 
But  earnestly  devotional. 
Exhortative,  emotional. 
This  of  preaching  was  his  idea, 
(As  often  he  expressed  to  me,) 
"What  text  is  of  but  little  merit. 
If  you  only  have  the  Spirit." 
Poor  man  !     He  had  his  troubles  sore ; 
For  one  his  health  was  rather  poor; 
Phthisis  placed  him  in  such  a  plight 
He  sometimes  could  not  sleep  at  night; 
At  other  times  rheumatic  pain 
Caused  him  much  suffering  again. 
Another  source  of  misery 
Was  absence  from  his  family; 
They  chose  upon  their  farm  to  stay. 
Which  was  some  forty  miles  away. 
And  though  he  frequently  went  home, 
(Which  caused  severe  complaint  with  some), 
'Twas  not  as  if  he  could  be  there 
Alway,  and  have  more  present  care 
Helping  his  wife  the  burdens  bear 
In  their  general  welfare. 
His  eldest  son  had  gone  to  war, 
Although  his  years  were  scarce  a  score; 
This  left  his  wife  mostly  alone 
226 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

With  a  young  girl  and  half-grown  son. 

The  times  were  hard,  the  country  rent 

With  difference  of  sentiment 

About  the  war  then  being  waged, 

And  which  the  North  and  South  engaged. 

Nevertheless  the  Lord  did  bless 

And  crown  our  work  with  some  success. 

And  so  the  weeks  and  months  rolled  on, 

Till  the  eventful  year  was  gone. 

Again  to  Conference,  with  joy, 

We  went,  in  Marshall,  Illinois. 

Bishop  Orwig  presided  here; 

The  business  was  dispatched  with  care. 

When  the  appointments  were  read  out 

And  every  man  received  his  lot 

I  was  assigned  to  be  alone, 

On  a  mission,  Huntington. 

Eight  appointments  the  work  embraced; 

One  was  dropped  ere  the  year  was  passed. 

The  year  was  fraught  with  many  a  joy. 

But  joys  come  not  without  alloy; 

There  were  trials  not  a  few, 

And  some  strong  temptations  too. 

I  had  no  visible  success, 

Which  did  my  spirit  much  depress 

(However,  next  year  made  it  plain 

That  my  work  was  not  in  vain,) 

And  tempted  me  to  quit  the  field. 

To  which  I  was  inclined  to  yield, 

Because  it  seemed  my  duty  clear; 

So  near  the  ending  of  the  year 

I  wrote,  informing  my  P.  E. 

That  he  need  not  count  on  me 

As  one  yet  standing  in  the  line 

When  the  next  the  men  they  did  assign. 

But  ere  the  year  was  fully  closed 

My  mind  was  otherwise  disposed ; 

So  I  resolved  to  go  ahead 

And  in  the  way  of  duty  tread ; 

So,  in  September  Sixty-four, 

I  went  to  Conference  once  more ; 

'Twas  held  in  the  metropolis, 

The  city  of  Indianapolis. 
227 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Bishop  Esher  here  presided, 
And  our  minds  were  soon  decided 
By  his  counsels  and  his  teaching, 
By  his  business  tact  and  preaching. 
That  he  was  the  right  selection 
In  the  episcopal  election. 
Here  I  had  deacon's  orders  voted. 
And  to  that  office  was  promoted, 
By  the  Bishop's  installation. 
And  the  rite  of  ordination. 
St.  Mary's  Circuit  was  my  decree. 
Which  I  accepted  graciously, 
Although  (but  I  didn't  know  it  then) 
It  had  obtained  the  cognomen 
Of  "the  Circuit  of  Punishment." 
So  to  my  work  with  joy  I  went; 
Seven  preaching  points  I  found ; 
Seventy  miles'  travel  in  a  round ; 
With  four  churches,  which  was  more 
Than  ever  I  had  had  before. 
At  every  point  I  had  a  few 
Veteran  members,  tried  and  true. 
The  Saviour  drew  some  hearts  to  Him, 
Especially  at  Bethlehem. 
I  there  beheld  displays  of  power 
As  I  had  never  seen  before ; 
Nor  ever  since  in  same  degree, 
As  I  was  there  allowed  to  see ; 
A  mighty,  sacred  holocaust, 
A  veritable  Pentecost, 
Strong  men  fell  down  upon  the  floor. 
And  loud  for  mercy  did  implore. 
Converting  power  came  down  amain 
And  proved  their  pleadings  not  in  vain. 
Others  shouted,  leaped  and  praised. 
And  thus  a  holy  tumult  raised. 
There  had  been  naught  emotional. 
But  quiet,  deep  devotional ; 
'Twas  sudden  like  a  lightning  flash 
Followed  up  by  thunder  crash. 
All  were  constrained  to  praise  or  pray 
Except  two  boys,  who  ran  away ; 
Of  these  'twas  said  they  ran  with  haste 
228 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

As  if  by  unseen  spirits  chased. 
St.  Joseph  District  then  took  in 
What  now  is  Elkhart  and  Ft.  Wayne. 
This  territory  I  canvassed  o'er 
As  a  "Conference  collector," 
In  connection  with  my  charge, 
Which  now  would  be  considered  large. 
I  had  much  mud  to  travel  through. 
And  heat  and  cold ;  hard  labor  too. 
But,  after  ail,  as  you  shall  see. 
It  was  a  blessed  year  for  me. 
For  here  I  found  a  joy  of  life. 
The  girl  who  later  became  my  wife. 
When  the  year  had  come  to  end 
I  went  to  Conference  at  South  Bend; 
Bishop  Long  again  presided; 
When  the  stationing  was  decided, 
And  we  heard  our  disposition, 
I  was  sent  to  Spring  Grove  Mission ; 
'Twas  a  mission  lone  and  small ; 
Eleven  members,  that  was  all. 
Two  appointments  for  a  start, 
In  school-houses  twelve  miles  apart. 
The  members,  too,  were  separate, 
At  one  place  three,  at  t'other  eight. 
One  school-house  I  soon  exchanged 
For  a  good  church,  and  so  arranged 
That  we  could  use  it  free  of  charge. 
At  first  the  attendance  was  not  large. 
But  ere  the  year  to  end  was  brought, 
A  change  in  this  respect  was  wrought. 
'Twas  providential,  I've  no  doubt ; 
In  this  way  it  was  brought  about: 
When  first  I  for  the  church  applied, 
A  young  man  there  the  work  decried ; 
The  ministry  he  vilified, 
And  Christian  character  minified. 
By  which  my  soul  was  sorely  tried; 
He  in  the  spring  took  sick  and  died. 
The  family  was  large  and  rich, 
Their  influence  afar  did  reach. 
To  preach  the  funeral  I  was  called. 
At  which  my  heart  at  first  appalled; 
229 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

But  I  resolved  to  preach  the  Word 

So,  if  they  ne'er  before  had  heard, 

They  7ioiv  should  hear  the  Gospel  plan 

Which  God  provides  for  sinful  man, 

Whereby  we  may  salvation  have 

And  endless  life  beyond  the  grave; 

The  dead  I'd  leave  with  God  to  deal. 

And  to  the  living  I'd  appeal. 

When  I  rose  the  throng  to  face, 

I  was  enabled,  by  God's  grace. 

In  that  to  me,  important  hour, 

To  speak  with  unction  and  with  power. 

The  Word  with  favor  was  received 

And  good  impressions,  I  perceived, 

Were  made  on  many,  and  from  thence 

I  did  not  lack  an  audience, 

But  as  I  seek  not  fame  nor  glory, 

I'll  here  abruptly  stay  my  story. 

Should  whim  possess,  perhaps  I  may 

Resume  my  tale  some  other  day.  An  Old  FOSSIL 


MINISTER   AND   PARISHIONER 

(One  Side) 

Young  Farmer  Brov/n  was  plowing  corn ; 
He  had  been  out  since  early  morn ; 

'Twas  nearly  noon ; 
His  strength  was  getting  well-nigh  worn ; 
He  hoped  the  welcome  dinner  horn 

Would  call  him  soon. 

The  field  was  large,  the  rows  were  long. 
The  weeds  grew  rank  the  corn  among. 

In  the  rich  soil ; 
The  horse  went  slow,  but  time  seemed  slower 
In  bringing  on  the  wished-for  hour 

Of  rest  from  toil. 

He  plodded  on  with  lessening  speed. 
Stopping  anon  to  pull  a  weed 
Along  the  row ; 

230 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

The  neighbors'  bells  clanged  all  around ; 
The  horns  gave  forth  their  blaring  sound; 
Not  his,  oh,  no ! 

And  now  once  more  he  reached  the  fence 
And  stopped  a  bit,  in  brief  suspense 

What  best  to  do ; 
But  soon  resolved  another  bout 
He  better  make,  and  then  turn  out 

And  home  he'd  go. 

His  thrifty  wife  that  morn  had  churned ; 
Then  to  her  weekly  washing  turned ; 

Now  all  was  done ; 
"And  now,"  she  said,  "I  will  in  haste 
Prepare  for  John  a  quick  repast 

And  call  him  soon." 

"I  having  had  so  much  to  do, 
He  knows  that  I  am  tired,  too, 

As  well  as  he ; 
And  so  he  will  not  scold  nor  fret, 
If  I  a  'patched  up'  dinner  get 

For  him  and  me." 

Their  minister  lived  in  the  town. 
About  five  miles  from  Farmer  Brown, 

With  his  young  wife ; 
Though  both  were  healthy,  strong  and  brave. 
They  more  did  ease  and  comfort  crave 

Than  busy  life. 

The  night  before  he  had  gone  through 
Keats,  Tennyson  and  Byron,  too. 

To  find  some  verse. 
With  which,  he  thought,  on  Sunday  next 
His  chaffy  sermon  and  his  text 

To  intersperse. 

His  wife  had  her  piano  thrummed, 
And  various  tunes  had  lightly  hummed : 

At  last,  upstairs 
They  both  with  quickened  steps  had  sped 
And  softly  crept  into  their  bed, 

With  shortened  prayers. 
231 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

That  morn  they  did  not  rise  till  late; 

The  clock's  hands  showed  the  hour  of  eight ; 

The  sun  was  high. 
With  groan  and  yawn  at  last  they  rose, 
And  drowsily  they  donned  their  clothes 

With  many  a  sigh. 

"What  shall  we  do  today?"  she  said, 
"To  cook  or  bake  I  so  much  dread ; 

'Twill  be  so  hot!" 
"I'll  tell  you,  Angie,"  he  replied, 
"To  Brother  Brown's  we'll  take  a  ride 

And  share  their  pot." 

"Though  Mary,  you  know,  makes  no  pretense 
Her  baking  and  cooking  are  immense ; 

Her  pie  and  cake. 
Her  bread,  her  butter,  chicken,  ham. 
Pickles,  preserves,  jelly  and  jam 

Would  premiums  take." 

"And  honest  John,  so  blunt,  but  kind, 
(A  nobler  fellow  you  cannot  find, 

Go  where  you  will). 
Has  hay  in  barn  so  nice  and  sweet, 
And  oats  and  corn,  a  plenty  to  eat 

For  our  horse  Bill." 

"On  Science,  Literature  and  Art 

In  converse,  he  can't  take  much  part, 

But  listens  well ; 
So  I  can  show  how  much  /  know ; 
Then  how  to  sow,  plow,  reap  and  mow 

That  he  may  tell." 

"Mary  knows  naught  of  modern  play. 
Lawn-tennis,  golf,  ping-pong,  croquet ; 

'Accomplishments !' 
But  in  house-keeping  she's  au-fait, 
And  can  converse  with  you  all  day 

With  good,  sound  sense." 

"Why,  Archie,  dear !  you  must  have  had 
An  inspiration !     Oh,  I'm  so  glad 
For  your  nice  plan ! 
232 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

'Twill  be  so  fine  to  drive  out  there 
And  have  the  sweet,  fresh  country  air 
Our  faces  fan ! 

"And  then  to  think  of  the  good  things 
That  Mary  to  her  table  brings ! 

'Tis  with  delight 
I  hail  the  thought !    Then  we  can  stay 
For  supper  too,  and  come  away 

By  cool  moonlight." 

"Well,  then,  a  hasty  breakfast  get, 
A  cup  of  coffee,  an  omelet, 

And  the  cold  meat 
That  we  had  left  of  yesterday ; 
And  then  we'll  haste  to  get  away. 

Or  we'll  be  late." 

Their  scanty  breakfast  soon  was  done; 
When  they  had  eaten  all  was  gone ; 

No  crumb  to  show. 
"And  now,"  said  he,  "I'll  hitch  up  Bill, 
And  you  get  ready,  if  you  will. 

And  off  we'll  go." 

The  "patched  up  dinner"  Mary  fixed 
With  various  dishes  intermixed, 

All  clean  and  neat. 
"And  now,"  she  mused,  "I'll  call  John  home, 
I  know  he  will  be  glad  to  come 

Out  of  the  heat." 

As  Mary  went  to  blow  the  horn 
To  call  John  from  his  field  of  corn, 

Adown  the  road 
She  spied  the  preacher  and  his  wife; 
Bill  bearing  on  with  vigorous  life 

His  precious  load. 

"Oh,  dear!    What  shall  I  do?"  she  said. 
As  back  into  the  house  she  sped 

Somewhat  irate. 
"I  wish  that  they  had  stayed  away, 
Or  chose  a  more  appropriate  day, 

Nor  come  so  late ! 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

"They  will  expect  the  best  we  have, 
Nor  care  a  fig  how  much  we  slave 

For  them  all  day ; 
But  they  will  talk,  and  lounge,  and  eat. 
Nor  turn  a  hand  to  help  one  bit, 

In  any  way." 

"They  seem  to  think  that  we  were  made 
To  toil  and  sweat  that  they  may  feed 

And  take  their  ease. 
But  this  I'll  do,  I'll  quickly  go 
And  get  another  dinner ;    so, 

I'll  try  to  please." 

She  cut  her  ham  so  sweet  and  nice; 
Pared  her  potatoes  in  a  trice ; 

Her  coffee  ground ; 
Her  biscuit  rolled  so  nice  and  fine ; 
A  custard  pie  was  next  in  line ; 

Then  with  a  bound 

She  got  some  lettuce,  crisp  and  new, 
Young  radishes,  and  onions,  too, 

And  a  bouquet ; 
Her  table  spread  with  damask  white, 
And  placed  her  ware,  all  shining  bright, 

In  grand  array. 

Her  baking,  boiling,  frying  done. 
She  brought  her  golden  butter  on, 

And  honeycomb. 
Though  she's  forgot  the  horn  to  blow, 
John  having  done  his  stinted  row, 

Had  now  come  home. 

She  met  him  at  the  dooryard  gate, 
To  him  her  troubles  to  relate ; 

He  only  laughed. 
And  said,  "I  know  it  all,  my  dear; 
I  saw  the  rig  as  I  drew  near, 

And  knew  the  craft," 

234 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

"And  that  they  came  at  noon ;   you  know 
That  that's  the  way  they  always  do; 

So  I  well  knew 
That  you  your  dinner  had  prepared, 
Designed  by  me  to  have  been  shared 

With  only  you ; 

"And  that  your  plans  being  all  upset, 
Another  dinner  you  did  get; 

For  that's  your  style; 
Whate'er  the  imposition  is 
You  always  others  try  to  please 

With  self-denial." 

But,  now,  to  wind  my  story  up: 
The  preacher  stayed  to  dine  and  sup 

With  Farmer  Brown ; 
And  then  with  buggy-load  complete. 
Of  butter,  lard,  eggs,  flour  and  meat. 

Drove  back  to  town. 

He  had  not  thought  of  having  prayer 
Nor  yet  of  Mary's  toil  and  care 

Amid  the  heat. 
But  Angle  to  her  husband  said : 
"Oh,  what  a  splendid  time  we've  had 

To  rest  and  eat!" 

But  Mary  to  her  John  did  say: 
"Oh,  I've  been  sorely  tried  today! 

I'm  all  outdone ! 
Of  all  the  sponges  of  my  life, 
I  think  our  preacher  and  his  wife 

Are  Number  One." 

John  calmly  said :    "I  know  'tis  so, 

But  Conference  sent  them  here,  you  know. 

In  patience  wait : 
Next  year  we'll  get  a  man  to  work 
And  pray,  instead  of  play  and  shirk, 
And  loaf  and  eat." 

D.  S.  Oakes,  1904. 
235 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

EDWARD  J.  OLIVER    (1871-1901) 

The  tragic,  early  ending-  of  this  useful  man's  life  has  re- 
mained an  unsolved  mystery.  Earnest,  highly  gifted  and  eminent- 
ly successful,  he  won  his  way  into  the  hearts  of  his  people  and  the 
brethren. 

Born  in  Lake  Co.,  Indiana,  Dec.  16,  1871,  and  when  but  one 
year  old  was  moved  with  his  parents  to  Kansas.  Here  he  re- 
mained until  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age.  After  this  time  he  had 
the  support  of  himself,  and  managed  to  spend  eight  years  at 
North- Western  College,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1897.  April, 
1899,  the  Indiana  Conference,  at  its  session  at  Rochester,  licensed 
him  as  a  preacher  on  probation,  and  assigned  him  to  Peru  Mis- 
sion, a  newly  opened  field.  He  served  this  field  with  great  ac- 
ceptability for  two  years. 

At  the  session  held  in  Berne,  Indiana,  he  was  ordained  as 
deacon  in  one  of  the  most  impressive  ordination  services  held  in 
the  Conference,  in  which  Oliver  received  an  overwhelming  bless- 
ing from  the  divine  Spirit.  He  was  assigned  to  E.  Germantown, 
Indiana,  which  charge  he  was  not  permitted  to  see.  Leaving  the 
Conference  session,  he  hastened  home  as  rapidly  as  possible,  in 
order  that  he  might  get  to  Illinois  as  soon  as  he  could,  for  on  the 
Thursday  following  he  was  to  be  married  to  Rev.  J.  B.  Elfrink's 
daughter,  Anna,  who  lived  in  Aurora,  111.  Instead  of  going  to  the 
depot  when  the  train  pulled  into  Peru  he  alighted  at  the  "target," 
right  near  his  home,  in  order  to  be  able  to  catch  the  next  train 
out  for  Chicago.  As  he  alighted  from  the  train,  looking  forward, 
he  stepped  on  a  side-track  and  was  run  down  by  an  approaching 
train,  frightfully  mangled  and  killed.  His  fiancee  had  previously 
had  a  vision  of  this  entire  happening,  and,  informing  him  thereof, 
warned  him  to  be  exceedingly  careful.  The  shock  was  terrible 
to  all  who  knew  him,  and  especially  to  his  betrothed.  His  burial 
took  place  just  24  hours  before  the  wedding  march  should  have 
begun.  What  sadness  and  unbearable  grief  a  few  hours  did 
bring!     This  tragic  death  occurred  Monday,  April  15,  1901. 

AN  APPRECIATION 

Brother  Oliver  was  a  man  of  powerful  physique.  He  pos- 
sessed the  body  of  an  athlete.  He  was  gifted  in  many  ways.  He 
had  a  fine  bass  voice,  which  he  used  to  glorify  God  in  song.  At 
the  Conference,  which  proved  to  be  his  last,  he  sang,  as  a  solo, 
"Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee,"  to  music  of  a  special  setting,  to  the 
edification  of  all  present.  He  also  was  a  member  of  the  original 
Conference  quartet  that  was  formed  at  this  session,  but  did  not 

236 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

get  to  sing  with  it.  The  members  of  the  quartet,  as  organized, 
were:  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J.  H.  Breish,  G.  B.  Kimmel,  E.  J. 
Oliver.     Oliver  was  the  director  of  this  first  quartet. 

He  was  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  the  people  of  Peru, 
both  of  his  own  congregation  and  of  other  churches.  His  affable 
nature  won  him  a  large  place  wherever  he  went.  He  possessed 
a  strong  intellect,  was  exceeding  careful,  exact  and  orderly  in  the 
preparation  of  his  messages  and  teachings,  forceful  and  effective 
in  delivering  them.  Nor  did  he  hesitate  to  correct  wrongs  wher- 
ever he  found  them.  On  one  occasion  when  a  naughty  boy  of  his 
neighborhood  mistreated  some  smaller  children  he  ran  after  him, 
pursuing  him  into  his  very  home.  He  told  the  boy's  mother  what 
her  boy  had  done,  and  that  he  was  going  to  apply  some  "palm- 
oil,"  to  which  his  mother  gave  leave.  When  the  lambasting  was 
over  the  boy  was  bettered,  the  mother  satisfied,  and  the  smaller 
children  of  the  neighborhood  had  peace. 

THE   OBSEQUIES 

The  funeral  services  were  conducted  by  his  Presiding  Elder, 
S.  H.  Baumgartner,  who  preached  from  the  text,  "There  is  but 
a  step  between  me  and  death."  The  services  were  held  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  because  our  own  church  was  too  small  at 
that  time  to  accommodate  the  throng  of  people  that  desired  to  at- 
tend. After  only  a  few  hours'  notice  the  church  was  filled  to  over- 
flowing, and  all  the  local  ministers  gave  witness  to  their  high  re- 
gard of  Brother  Oliver.  A  number  of  our  own  ministers  were 
present  and  assisted  in  the  services.  The  body  was  then  taken  to 
Hebron,  Indiana,  where  interment  was  made. 


HIRAM  E.  OVERMEYER    (1836-1895) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  in  Jackson  Township,  Sandusky 
Co.,  Ohio,  May  the  27th,  1836.  He  was  the  eighth  child  of  hon- 
est farmer  folks,  Hugh  and  Elenora  Overmeyer.  The  early  part 
of  his  life  was  spent  upon  the  farm,  where  a  few  books  and  a 
very  limited  opportunity  for  schooling  had  to  suffice,  even  if  it 
could  not  satisfy  the  cravings  for  a  good  education.  He  bor- 
rowed every  book  he  could  get  hold  of,  and  sought  to  acquire  what 
learning  he  might.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he  won  a  teacher's  cer- 
tificate that  entitled  him  to  teach  public  school.  In  the  spring 
of  1857  he  entered  Otterbein  University,  alternating  teaching  with 
going  to  school.  This  he  did  for  a  number  of  years.  His  tenacity 
and  plodding  won  for  him  a  liberal   education.     When  the  war 

237 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

broke  out  he  enlisted  in  Co.  I  of  the  First  United  States  Chasseurs, 
afterwards  the  65th  of  New  York,  in  which  he  served  for  three 
years,  after  receiving  an  honorable  discharge  Feb,  20,  1865.  As  a 
Christian  he  kept  himself  free  from  the  ordinary  corruption  of 
army  life,  and  exerted  a  wholesome  influence  all  about  him. 

HIS   MINISTRY 

He  moved  to  Marshall  Co.,  Indiana,  in  the  spring  of  1866, 
south  of  Plymouth.  Ever  since  his  conversion,  which  took  place 
Jan.  7,  1857,  he  felt  the  call  of  God  upon  him,  but  now  it  became 
more  urgent  than  ever.  After  much  mental  stress  and  agitation 
he  finally  yielded  to  the  Spirit's  call  and  applied  for  license,  which 
he  received  Sept.,  1870.  He  then  served  the  following  fields:  De- 
Kalb  Circuit,  1870-1;  Spring  Grove,  1871-3;  Elkhart,  1873-4; 
New  Paris,  1874-5,  after  which  he  located  on  account  of  impaired 
health  and  family  necessities.  In  the  fall  of  1881  he  again  took 
up  the  work  and  joined  Wildermuth  at  Twin  Lake,  and  he  served 
the  following  fields  thereafter:  Twin  Lake,  Mishawaka,  1883; 
Logansport,  1884-7 ;  Wolcottville,  1887-9 ;  Berne,  1889-90 ;  E.  Ger- 
mantown,  1890-1;  Twin  Lake,  1891-2;  Noblesville,  1892-4.  In 
November  of  this  year  he  was  obliged  to  lay  down  the  work,  for 
his  health  was  rapidly  failing  him. 

HIS  DEMISE 

Just  a  month  before  his  death  he  wrote  with  his  own  hand 
these  words,  "And  now  my  life's  record  is  before  God  and  my 
fellow-men.  How  much  has  met  the  approval  of  the  Master 
only  the  future  can  reveal.  To  all  that  has  not  the  approval  of  His 
"well  done"  I  can  only  trust  to  His  pardoning  mercy  through  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.  And  yet  I  believe  that  my  life  has  not  been  a 
failure,  but  that  many  precious  souls  have  been  saved  through 
my  feeble  eff'orts,  and  I  hope  to  find  many  stars  added  to  my  crown 
of  rejoicing.  I  am  happily,  gloriously  and  eternally  saved  through 
the  wondrous  grace  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ." 

The  funeral  rites  were  held  in  the  Evangelical  Church  at 
Noblesville,  Indiana,  C.  F.  Hansing,  his  Presiding  Elder,  preach- 
ing the  sermon.  F.  G.  Schweitzer  and  J.  Harper  and  ministers 
of  the  city  assisted. 

He  left  a  widow,  whom  he  had  married  as  a  Margaret  Kem- 
merling  of  Ohio,  March  5,  1857,  and  seven  children. 

Interment  was  made  in  Crownland  Cemetery,  Noblesville,  In- 
diana, r 

238 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 
WESLEY  PINKERTON  (1836-1911) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Holmes  County,  Ohio, 
of  Scotch-Irish  ancestry,  Jan.  21,  1836.  His  parents  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  spent  their  lives  on 
the  farm,  as  did  also  their  son.  Wesley  enjoyed  but  a  common 
school  education,  but  gave  himself  to  continuous  reading,  which 
greatly  broadened  his  mind  and  usefulness. 

He  v.-as  converted  under  the  labors  of  Rev.  Kaiper  in  1874 
or  5,  at  the  Island  class,  Nappanee  Circuit,  and  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association.  The  Indiana  Conference  licensed  him 
as  a  probationer  in  April,  1878.  He  never  entered  the  active  work, 
but  preached  as  often  as  opportunity  and  health  permitted.  He 
was  a  great  friend  to  the  traveling  ministers. 

It  was  said  of  him :  "He  was  a  great  man  of  faith,  trusting 
in  God  implicitly  in  all  circumstances.  While  he  was  a  great  suf- 
ferer for  many  years,  he  was  always  patient  and  cheerful.  He 
won  many  battles  upon  his  knees,  and  his  great  gift  of  prayer  re- 
sulted in  the  conversion  of  many  souls.  Plis  life  was  modest,  but 
consistent  with  his  confession,  his  preaching  plain,  calm,  but 
convincing."     He  was  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him. 

In  1860  he  was  married  to  Emaline  Kinney  of  Bucyrus,  Ohio. 
He  was  the  father  of  one  son  and  three  daughters.  He  lived  his 
entire  life,  excepting  the  first  three  and  the  last  seven  years,  on  his 
father's  homestead  near  Milford,  Ind.  When  he  retired,  in  1904, 
he  moved  to  Milford,  Indiana.  He  died  Dec.  4th,  1911,  at  Milford, 
Ind.,  and  was  buried  in  the  same  place.  Rev.  A.  B.  Aegerter,  as- 
sisted by  other  local  ministers,  conducted  the  funeral  services. 


G.  G.  PLATZ   (1817-1904) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  full  of  interest.  His  life  was 
eventful,  fruitful,  and  continued  to  a  full  old  age.  George  G. 
Platz  was  initiated  into  this  life  in  the  city  of  Colmar,  Ober-Rhein, 
France,  April  9,  1817,  and  departed  this  life  April  22,  1904.  His 
father  and  mother  were  loyal  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and 
George,  the  fourth  of  6  sons,  was  catechized  in  this  faith  and  con- 
firmed in  his  fourteenth  year. 

In  1833,  March  1,  his  father  set  sail  with  his  family  for  Amer- 
ica, settling  in  Erie  County,  Pa.  Here  George  assisted  in  clearing 
away  the  heavy  hemlock  and  chestnut  timber  on  his  father's  farm, 
and  teamed  with  an  ox-team.  He  was  deprived  of  all  school 
privileges  in  this  land,  but  he  made  good  use  of  the  schooling  he 

239 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


G.  G.  PLATZ 


had   obtained   in   the  fatherland.     It  was  here   that   George  was 
brought  under  the  influence  of  the  preaching  of  the  Evangelical 

Association.  He  was  converted  to 
God,  January,  1840,  and  united 
with  the  church.  When  he  became 
of  age  he  learned  the  plasterer's 
trade,  which  he  followed  until  he 
entered  the  Gospel  ministry.  He 
was  licensed  as  preacher  on  proba- 
tion by  the  Ohio  Conference, 
March  9,  1844.  The  Illinois  Con- 
ference at  this  time  was  still  em- 
bodied in  the  Ohio  Conference. 

His  first  field  of  labor  was, 
with  A.  Nicolai,  Mt.  Carmel  Cir- 
cuit, then  a  part  of  Illinois  Dis- 
trict, supervised  by  Samuel  Baum- 
gartner.  This  was  an  exceedingly 
large  field,  extending  from  Mar- 
shall, 111.,  down  to  Lawrenceville 
and  Mt.  Carmel,  then  south-east- 
ward into  Southern  Indiana  as  far 
as  Huntingburg,  and  to  Troy  and  Rockport  on  the  Ohio  River,  with 
well-nigh  impassable  roads  and  bridgeless  streams. 

He  relates  a  trip  he  made  on  the  6th  of  June  in  this  year, 
attempting  to  go  to  Lawrenceburg  from  Indiana.  The  Wabash 
River  was  flooded,  and  he  realized  that  in  order  to  get  across  at 
all,  he  must  swim  with  his  horse.  He  failed  to  get  across  and  suf- 
fered the  loss  of  valuable  books  he  had  with  him.  A  few  days  later 
he  attempted  again,  and  got  across  to  John  Schreffier's  near  Law- 
renceburg, 111.  Then  he  went  on  to  Mt.  Carmel,  and  soon  returned 
to  Dubois  County,  Indiana,  where  he  visited  friends  of  the  church, 
and  ministered  in  the  Word  of  Life.  Again  on  the  4th  of  July  he 
expected  to  cross  the  Wabash  River  at  Vincennes,  but  finding  it 
impossible,  turned  back  to  Petersburg,  Pike  County,  Indiana,  re- 
maining over  Sunday  with  Fred  Meier,  and  on  the  7th  preached 
in  the  home  of  Mr.  Klotz.  From  there  he  went  to  Huntingburg, 
then  to  Hassville,  preaching  as  he  went.  After  several  futile  at- 
tempts to  cross  the  Wabash,  he  finally  succeeded  on  the  24th  of  July 
and  reached  home  in  Mt.  Carmel.  Not  having  seen  his  colleague 
nor  heard  from  him  for  some  time,  he  started  out  again  from  ap- 
pointment to  appointment  to  search  for  him,  and  finally,  on  July 
29,  found  him  sick  at  the  home  of  a  family  called  Harts. 

240 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Brother  Platz  was  ever  on  the  lookout  for  new  appointments. 
He  sought  appointments  as  far  down  as  Troy  on  the  Ohio  River. 
In  these  days  taking  up  new  appointments  was  a  mark  of  faith- 
fulness and  interest  in  the  work.  In  one  of  his  trips  he  met  with 
earnest  Methodist  people  near  Boonville,  Indiana,  where  by  re- 
quest he  preached  for  them.  Old  preachers  were  always  ready  to 
preach  when  the  opportunity  was  presented,  and  feared  to  refuse. 
He,  on  this  trip,  also  sought  opportunity  to  preach  near  Rockport. 
He  preached  in  Evansville  in  April,  1845,  being  the  first  sermon 
that  was  delivered  there  by  a  preacher  of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation. 

He  relates  a  special  experience  he  had  in  Spencer  County,  In- 
diana, at  the  home  of  one  Merta,  December  1,  where  he  was  to 
preach.  The  people  gathered  for  worship.  The  "year  market"  also 
began  at  this  time.  When  Brother  Platz  wanted  to  begin  his  serv- 
ice in  his  usual  manner,  the  people  interfered,  saying,  "We  want 
to  hold  service  after  our  manner."  Brother  Platz  yielded.  After 
one  had  read  a  sermon,  Platz  was  told  he  might  now  preach,  if  any 
wished  to  hear  him.  He  began,  and  had  for  a  text  Luke  18:  1. 
After  preaching  one-half  hour  he  was  interrupted  and  charged 
with  errors  of  truth  in  his  preaching.  Platz  requested  his  op- 
ponents to  give  proof  of  his  errors.  Then  there  was  a  hail-storm 
of  boisterous  words,  one  yelling  this  and  others  that,  until  he  found 
it  necessary  to  abandon  further  efforts  here,  and  looked  around 
for  a  place  where  he  might  lodge  for  the  coming  night.  Brother 
Platz  often  met  with  very  bitter  opposition  on  his  extended  preach- 
ing tours,  for  his  preaching  was  plain,  forceful  and  cut  the  guilty  to 
the  quick.  He  often  realized  that  "Christ  came  not  to  bring  peace, 
but  the  sword." 

June  1,  1845,  Platz,  with  Nicolai,  began  their  long  and  tedious 
journey  to  Des  Plaines,  Cook  County,  Illinois,  where  the  first  ses- 
sion of  the  Illinois  Conference  was  held.  Soon  one  of  the  wheels 
of  their  conveyance  broke  down.  They  borrowed  another  with  the 
same  results  the  next  day.     Traveling  was  tedious  in  those  days. 

Platz's  second  year  was  spent  on  Elkhart  Circuit,  which  ex- 
tended over  St.  Joseph,  Marshall,  Elkhart,  Kosciusko,  Noble,  Whit- 
ley, Fulton,  Huntington,  Wabash  and  Miami  Counties.  This  was 
a  year  of  temptation,  trial  and  sickness  to  P.,  but  also  of  glorious 
victories,  having  won  many  souls  for  God.  During  this  year  he, 
with  Wm.  Kolb,  his  colleague,  took  up  new  appointments  in  Niles, 
Berrien  and  White  Pigeon,  Michigan,  and  laid  the  foundation  of 
the  future  Michigan  Conference.  He  says,  "On  this  circuit  they 
found  great  spiritual  dearth.    Those  professing  religion  only  had  it 

241 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

on  their  lips."  He  was  especially  successful  around  Bremen,  In- 
diana, where  many  were  converted.  On  December  7,  after  preach- 
ing three  miles  north  of  Bremen,  he  started  for  Hepton,  east  of 
Bremen.  He  got  lost  in  the  wild  woods  and  did  not  arrive  at  the 
appointed  place  until  evening,  when  all  had  gone  home.  At  the 
close  of  this  year  he  thought  seriously  of  locating.  But  at  the  Con- 
ference session  he  changed  his  mind,  and  renewed  his  covenant 
with  God  for  a  gospel  service.  At  this  session  he  was  ordained 
deacon. 

His  third  field  was  Whitewater  Circuit.  Going  home  to  Penn- 
sylvania he  found  his  parents  and  brothers  still  unconverted.  Be- 
ing much  concerned  about  their  salvation,  he  took  opportunity  to 
preach  for  the  people  of  their  community.  He  returned  to  his 
field  July  12.  This  was  a  year  of  hard  work  and  little  success. 
Rough  gangs  were  frequently  encountered,  but  he  worked  on.  At 
a  camp-meeting,  held  in  September  on  John  Dill's  farm,  a  mean 
set  of  boys  set  fire  to  the  tents,  but  all  were  saved  except  two. 
The  rage  of  the  ungodly  here  was  so  great  that  a  note  was  writ- 
ten and  tacked  to  a  tree,  threatening  to  do  violence  to  God's  peo- 
ple. This  militated  against  the  real  success  of  the  meeting,  but 
nevertheless  souls  were  converted,  and  some  united  with  the  church. 
Few  Germans  lived  on  this  circuit,  and  most  of  them  denied  the 
existence  of  a  God.  About  this  time  he  left  an  appointment  in  In- 
dianapolis for  September  16.  By  falsehood,  trickery  and  unfriend- 
liness to  him,  the  meeting  was  not  announced,  but  later  our  min- 
isters found  an  entrance  to  this  place.  Chill-fever  and  other  sick- 
ness was  so  prevalent  this  year  that  frequently  no  services  could 
be  held.  He  tried  to  hold  a  watch-night  meeting  in  a  certain 
school-house  on  this  field,  but  nothing  was  accomplished.  The 
watch-night  became  a  "Schlafnacht"  (sleeping  night).  He  also 
took  great  and  active  part  in  organizing  Sunday-schools,  which 
were  then  a  new  thing,  but  he  found  much  opposition.  On  a  cer- 
tain occasion  a  Mr.  Williamson  collected  $4.44  for  Bro.  Platz,  with 
the  request  that  he  buy  himself  a  new  hat.  Brother  Platz  there- 
upon prayed,  "0  Lord,  remember  his  sincerity." 

May  19,  1847,  he  lodged  at  Long's  in  Jacksonburg.  Here  he 
prayed  that  if  it  would  be  for  his  good  to  enter  the  matrimonial 
life,  that  the  Lord  might  direct.  A  Miss  Sarah  Baumgartner  was 
then  in  the  neighborhood.  Not  being  able  to  write,  she  asked 
Platz  to  write  a  letter  for  her  to  her  sister  Lydia  in  Illinois.  He 
consented  to  do  so  if  she  would  go  with  him  to  Jacksonburg  where 
he  would  write.  She  agreed.  On  the  way  he  inquired  of  her  if 
she  had  in  mind  to  get  married  provided  she  had  an  opportunity 

242 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

that  would  appeal  to  her.  She  answered  "that  she  frequently  had 
said  she  would  rather  remain  single  than  live  an  unhappy  married 
life."  The  time  was  too  short  to  answer  such  an  inquiry  seriously. 
He  gave  her  time  to  think  and  pray  over  the  matter  until  next 
morning  when  he  again  had  to  leave.  When  morning  arrived  he 
asked  her  for  her  decision.  With  an  earnest  look  she  answered 
that  she  was  afraid  she  might  be  unhappy.  She  further  said, 
"When  preachers  get  back  in  their  religious  work  they  usually 
turn  out  bad,"  but  said  "she  meant  no  reflection  upon  him  or  ob- 
jection to  him,  and  would,  therefore,  venture  in  the  name  of  God." 
Hereupon  he  extended  his  hand  and  promised  to  be  true,  and  with 
best  wishes  he  departed. 

At  the  Conference  session,  held  at  Naperville,  111.,  June  9, 
1847,  Elkhart  Circuit  was  again  assigned  to  him,  with  F.  Wiet- 
haupt  and  Welty  as  colleagues.  A  serious  trouble  confronted  him 
this  year.  His  intended  bride  could  neither  write  nor  read  script. 
So  lover's  communications  could  not  be  carried  on  without  assist- 
ance and  embarrassment.  April  13,  1848,  he  went  with  Jacob 
Baumgartner  to  Centerville,  Ind.,  to  secure  the  marriage  license, 
and  at  4  p.  m.  they  were  married.  Rev,  A.  B.  Schaefer  officiated. 
On  the  15th  they  moved  to  Pvlingeman's  in  the  Dill  neighborhood. 
In  June  he  again  attended  Conference.  He  was  assigned  to  Chi- 
cago Station. 

i^t  the  session  held  in  Naperville,  111.,  on  June  20,  1849,  he 
was  assigned  to  Elkhart  Circuit,  with  Geo.  Mermer  and  B.  Uphaus 
as  his  colleagues. 

On  June  12th,  1850,  the  Conference  again  met  at  Des  Plaines 
Emmanuel  Church  in  Cook  Co.,  111.  At  this  session  he  was  newly 
elected  as  Presiding  Elder  and  assigned  to  Peoria  District. 

June  18,  1851,  at  the  Conference  session  held  at  Brookville, 
Ogle  Co.,  111.,  he  resigned  as  Presiding  Elder,  after  serving  one  year, 
and  had  Des  Plaines  Circuit  assigned  to  him. 

At  the  session  held  in  Naperville,  111.,  June  16,  '52,  he  was  re- 
turned to  Des  Plaines. 

It  is  to  be  very  much  regretted  that  from  this  time  on  he  kept 
no  record  of  his  life ;  many  events  in  his  life,  therefore,  remain 
unrecorded  that  might  have  been  very  interesting.  But  his  life 
work  speaks  louder  than  words.  His  epistles  were  written  on 
the  hearts  and  memories  of  many.  He  was  a  faithful  toiler  in 
God's  vineyard.  He  was  an  exemplary  pioneer,  ever  alert  to  find 
new  opportunities  for  preaching. 

In  1858  he  changed  his  Conference  relation  from  the  Illinois 
Conference  to  the   Indiana   Conference,   which   was   organized   in 

243 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Naperville,  111.,  in  1852.  He  served  Whitewater  Circuit  in  1853 
and  Hamilton  in  1854 ;  St.  Joseph  District  from  1855  to  1859 ; 
Whitewater  District,  1859  to  1863 ;  Indianapolis  Station  from  1863 
to  1864 ;  Marshall,  1864  to  1865 ;  then  he  retired  for  one  year, 
and  Wabash  District,  1867  to  1871.  In  1871  he  retired  from  the 
active  ministry  and  located  on  a  farm  near  Marshall,  Illinois. 
Later  he  sold  out  and  resided  with  his  youngest  son,  where  he  died 
at  the  age  of  87  years  and  13  days.  His  wife  also  died  soon  there- 
after, and  their  bodies  were  laid  to  rest  in  the  Marshall  Cemetery. 
As  a  preacher  he  was  conscientious  to  his  duties,  faithful  to 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  Scriptural  in  his  teaching,  fearless  in  attack- 
ing sin  in  and  out  of  the  church,  clear  and  unctuous  in  his  preach- 
ing, courageous  in  correcting  wrong-doers  and  in  quelling  boister- 
ous actions  among  rowdies  during  services.  D.  S.  Oakes  said  of 
him,  "He  was  powerful  in  the  pulpit,  and  a  good,  practical  theo- 
logian." If  he  failed  in  preaching  he  would  record,  "Preached 
without  grace,"  meaning  without  effect  or  results.  His  towering 
stature,  broad  shoulders,  somewhat  stern  expression,  commanded 
respect  and  carried  with  it  a  strong  personality  that  counted  for 
something  even  among  the  roughs.  The  writer's  father  often 
spoke  of  a  camp-meeting  which  he  attended,  where  a  gang  of  row- 
dies came  with  stones  and  clubs  to  disturb  the  meeting,  and  how 
tactfully  Platz  marshalled  a  squad  of  men  and  completely  routed 
them. 

As  a  disciplinarian  he  was  fearless  and  firm.  On  January  21, 
1845,  he  held  a  church  trial  on  Sabbath  desecration.  Two  men 
were  put  on  probation  for  desecrating  the  Lord's  day.  At  another 
place  a  woman  was  placed  on  probation.  In  Allen  County,  Ind., 
at  Five  Points,  where  members  were  in  a  constant  turmoil  with 
each  other,  and  a  number  of  fruitless  efforts  for  reconciliation  had 
been  made.  Brother  Platz,  on  a  Sunday  morning,  publicly  expelled 
the  entire  membership  from  church.  After  this  was  done  he  re- 
opened the  church  doors  and  invited  all  who  would  hereafter  live 
peaceably  together,  to  again  unite  with  the  church.  Some  came 
back.    The  class  v/as  finally  abandoned. 

It  was  said  of  him  that  he  hated  affectations,  shams  and  idle- 
ness. He  was  somewhat  severe  and  critical  with  young  preachers, 
especially  if  he  believed  they  were  not  faithful  to  God's  Word  and 
other  Gospel  duties.  He  was  neat  in  his  public  appearance  and 
taught  cleanliness  as  being  a  part  of  godliness.  In  all  he  traveled 
during  his  ministry  75,000  miles,  mostly  on  horseback.  His  saddle- 
bag and  Bible  which  he  used  many  years  are  now  in  the  museum 

244 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

of  North-Western  College  at  Naperville.  This  Bible  he  read 
through  twenty-four  times. 

The  Indiana  Conference  honored  him  four  times  as  one  of  the 
delegates  to  General  Conference,  in  1855,  1859,  1863  and  1867,  and 
once  as  trustee  of  Plainfield  College  for  two  years.  Brother  Platz 
reared  a  family  of  five  sons  and  one  daughter.  It  afforded  him 
great  joy  that  four  of  his  sons  followed  him  by  entering  into  the 
ministry,  namely,  Nimrod  J.,  Charles,  Moses  and  Noah.  The  first 
and  last  belong  to  the  Indiana  Conference  and  the  other  two  to 
the  Kansas.  Revs,  W.  G,  Braeckly  and  D,  D,  Speicher  conducted 
the  funeral  services. 

D.  S,  Oakes  presented  the  following  memorial  in  rhyme  at  the 
Conference  session : 

Sixty  years  ago,  or  more,  the  veteran, 

George  G.  Platz,  a  son  of  fair  Alsatia, 

These  regions  traversed  o'er ; 

With  saddle-bags,  on  horseback,  he 

Through  swamp,  and  slough,  and  forest  deep. 

Plodded  his  weary  way.     In  summer's  heat, 

Or  winter's  cold,  he  still  went  on. 

Hunting  up  German  settlements. 

That  he  to  hungry  souls  might  bring  the 

Bread  of  Life,  and  lead  the  thirsty  ones 

To  fountains  ever  full  and  free. 

With  tall  and  rugged  form,  with  giant  strength. 

With  clarion  voice  in  speech  and  prayer  and  song, 

In  many  a  rural  neighborhood. 

In  hamlet,  village,  town,  he 

Gospel  standard  raised,  and  firm  foundation  laid 

For  church  of  his  and  our  choice. 

A  pioneer,  with  all  the  meaning  of  the  name. 

Some  thirty  years  ago  from  active  service 

He  retired ;  and  now  the  Great  Commissioner 

Has  given  him  his  full  discharge. 

A  chaplet  on  his  brow  I  here  would  humbly  place. 


NIMROD  J,  PLATZ    (1851-1913) 

Nimrod  was  born  in  Chicago,  111.,  Sept,  25,  1851,  during  the 
time  that  his  father,  Rev,  G,  G,  Platz,  was  serving  the  Des  Plaines 
Circuit,  His  school  privileges  were  very  ordinary,  owing  to  the 
fact  that  the  care  of  the  farm  devolved  upon  the  boys  while  their 

245 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

father  was  away  preaching.  Yet  through  hard  and  persistent 
study  and  close  observation  he  gained  a  fund  of  practical  knowl- 
edge that  proved  of  great  value  in  his  ministry. 

CONVERSION   AND   MINISTRY 

At  the  age  of  12  years,  under  his  father's  labors,  at  Marshall, 
111.,  he  gave  his  heart  to  God  and  united  with  the  church.  He  at 
once  became  active  and  gave  his  best  services  to  the  church,  of 
which  he  was  a  member.  He  attributed  his  conversion  to  the 
wholesome  influence  of  his  own  home.  His  readiness  to  give  his 
life  to  the  service  of  the  Christ  and  the  church  he  likewise  attrib- 
uted to  his  home  influences. 

When  the  call  of  God  came  in  clear  tones  to  him,  he,  in  the 
face  of  a  needy  field,  gladly  yielded  his  life  to  the  work.  His  class 
was  anxious  to  recommend  him  to  the  work  of  a  minister,  hav- 
ing been  greatly  impressed  with  his  earnestness  and  labors  among 
them.  He  was  licensed  by  the  Indiana  Conference  in  1874  and 
appointed  to  Rockport.  At  the  close  of  this  year  he  was  returned 
to  Rockport,  and  afterward  served  the  following  fields :  Shelby 
Mission,  1875-6.  At  the  organization  of  the  South  Indiana  Confer- 
ence he  cast  his  lot  with  this  Conference  and  served  in  her  bounds 
most  faithfully. 

In  April,  1893,  when  the  South  Indiana  Conference  was  again 
incorporated  with  the  Indiana  Conference,  he  served  another  year 
on  Camp  Creek  Circuit;  then,  in  1894-7,  Vera  Cruz;  1897-9,  Bre- 
men ;  in  1899,  on  account  of  infirmities  and  family  necessities,  he 
located  on  his  farm  at  Marshall,  111.  Later  on  he  sold  out,  and, 
moving  to  Olney,  111.,  he  purchased  a  20-acre  farm  and  lived  there- 
on until  his  decease. 

He  experienced  many  trying  circumstances  in  his  earlier 
days,  such  as  were  common  to  the  early  pioneers,  but  in  all  the 
Lord  gave  grace  and  endurance.  He  had  the  joy  of  leading  many 
to  Christ,  and  greatly  edified  the  churches  to  which  he  was  sent. 
In  his  preaching  he  was  Scriptural,  practical,  definite  and  always 
interesting.  He  had  a  style  of  his  own  that  was  fresh  and  varied 
as  life.  He  was  not  guilty  of  lengthy  sermons,  never  tired  out  an 
audience,  and  was  always  heard  again.  He  was  expository, 
textual  as  well  as  topical  in  his  sermons,  and  did  not  hesitate  to 
use  striking  and  luminous  anecdotes,  which  made  his  messages 
as  breezy  as  the  air.  He  was  a  natural  orator,  and,  as  such,  never 
dabbled  in  things  not  understood,  nor  in  cold,  bald,  dead,  theologi- 
cal reasoning. 

246 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

He  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Dawson  in  1878,  and  was  the 
father  of  six  children,  all  of  whom  survived  him.  His  end  came 
after  a  lingering  and  exceedingly  painful  illness,  Dec.  17,  1913. 
Rev.  M.  W.  Sunderman  conducted  the  funeral  services  at  Olney, 
after  which  the  body  was  conveyed  to  Marshall,  111.,  where,  after 
a  brief  service  by  Rev.  J.  J.  Wise,  P.  E.,  and  Leo  J.  Ehrhardt,  it 
was  interred.  

PHILIP  PORR   (1819-1881) 

This  brother  was  born  in  Felsberg,  Rhein-Baiern,  Germany, 
1819,  and  died  July  5th,  1881,  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  also  his 
body  is  interred.  He  came  to  America  in  '42  and  settled  somewhere 
within  the  bounds  of  the  Ohio  Conference.  Soon  thereafter  he 
was  converted  to  God  through  the  efforts  of  Evangelicals  and  united 
with  the  Evangelical  Association,  He  was  licensed  and  received 
into  the  itinerancy  by  the  Ohio  Conference  in  May,  '50. 

When  the  German  people  began  migrating  to  Kansas,  and  the 
leaders  of  the  Evangelical  Association  saw  the  need  of  following 
with  the  Gospel,  Brother  Porr  w^as  one  of  the  first  to  volunteer  his 
services.  He  hunted  up  the  new  German  settlers  in  Kansas  and 
helped  lay  the  foundation  of  our  present  Kansas  Conference. 
After  a  number  of  years'  service  in  this  capacity  he  found  it  neces- 
sary to  return  East,  casting  his  lot  this  time  with  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference. He  served  the  following  appointments  in  the  Indiana 
Conference:  Newville,  '65-67,  and  Van  Wert,  '67-69.  W^hile  at 
Van  Wert  he  had  a  mental  collapse,  due  to  the  freezing  of  his 
brain,  one  bitter  cold  winter,  on  one  of  his  long  itineraries.  In 
'69  he  had  to  locate  and  was  taken  to  the  asylum.  After  a  while 
he  was  sufficiently  restored  to  be  taken  home,  but  never  again  was 
able  to  re-enter  the  work,  preaching  only  occasionally  as  circum- 
stances would  allow.  On  account  of  his  affliction  he  was  subject 
to  melancholia. 

He  was  a  true  and  conscientious  man,  and  although  not  pos- 
sessed of  unusual  talents,  his  sermons  were  clear,  biblical  and 
unctuous,  and  his  labors  successful.  He  was  married  to  Susannah 
Alsbach,  who  survived  him  some  thirty  years.  Their  only  two 
children  died  in  infancy.  Dr.  C.  C,  Baumgartner  preached  the 
funeral  sermon.  He  willed  his  property  to  the  Indiana  Conference, 
a  house  and  lot  in  Dayton.  Ohio,  His  widow  had  possession  of  it 
until  her  demise,  the  Indiana  Conference  keeping  up  the  repairs 
and  paying  the  taxes.  After  Mrs.  Porr's  death.  Rev.  Schuermeier, 
executor,  sold  the  property  for  the  Conference  for  $1,300.00,  which 
flowed  into  the  Conference  treasury, 

247 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

HENRY  PRECHTEL  (1845-1894) 

This  brother  was  a  native  of  Asch,  Austria,  and  was  born  Jan. 
11,  1845,  and  died  Jan.  27th,  1894,  at  Emporia,  Kansas.  His  body 
lies  in  the  Gross  Cemetery,  east  of  Winamac,  Pulaski  Co.,  Indiana, 

He  came  to  America  with  his  parents  when  about  6  years  old, 
and  located  near  Logansport,  Ind.,  where  he  attended  school.  He 
was  also  catechized  and  confirmed  in  the  Lutheran  Church,  Later 
on  his  parents  moved  to  near  River  Bank,  Pulaski  Co.,  where  they 
lived  among  the  early  settlers  on  a  farm  along  the  Tippecanoe 
River.    Here  his  parents  remained  until  their  death, 

HIS  EDUCATION  AND  CALL  TO  THE  MINISTRY 

He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools,  after  which  he  pre- 
pared himself  for  teaching,  and,  for  a  time,  taught  school.  Eigh- 
teen months  before  the  close  of  the  Civil  War  he  entered  the  Union 
Army  and  continued  with  it  until  the  end,  attaining  to  the  rank 
of  sergeant  of  the  128th  Regiment  Indiana  Volunteers.  Several 
months  during  this  time  he  was  seriously  ill.  After  he  received 
his  discharge  he  returned  and  again  engaged  in  farming. 

Henry  later  came  under  the  mighty  influence  of  the  Gospel, 
as  preached  by  ministers  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and  was 
converted  to  God  in  March,  1871,  when  he  also  united  with  our 
church.  From  now  on  he  lived  a  true.  Christian  life,  and  aimed  to 
serve  the  Lord  with  his  whole  heart.  He  acquitted  himself  so  well 
in  the  service  of  Christ  and  the  church  that  already  in  1872  his 
class  recommended  him  for  the  ministry,  and  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference licensed  him  on  Sept.  12,  1872,  as  preacher  on  probation. 
At  once  he  entered  the  work  and  continued  to  study  until  he  be- 
came proficient  in  both  German  and  English,  ranking  among 
the  best  in  the  Conference.  He  was  in  the  ministry  continuously 
from  Sept.,  1872,  to  1881,  serving  in  the  Indiana  Conference  until 
he  was  compelled  to  locate  on  account  of  the  loss  of  his  voice. 

He  served  the  following  fields:  Greenville,  Richmond,  Twin 
Lakes,  Mishawaka,  While  in  the  ministry  he  had  the  great  mis- 
fortune of  being  robbed  of  $379,  missionary  money,  which  he  had 
just  collected  the  night  before  his  return  from  one  of  his  appoint- 
ments. He,  however,  replaced  the  whole  amount  by  the  sale  of 
all  his  young  stock  that  he  and  his  wife  had  raised.  This  amount 
may  not  seem  large,  but  to  them  at  this  time  it  represented  a  small 
fortune.  His  most  grievous  trial  was  the  loss  of  his  voice  that 
compelled  him  to  locate. 

He  remained  quite  active  in  the  church  all  his  life,  and  liber- 
ally supported  the  cause  of  missions.    He  had  "almost  phenomenal 

248 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

success"  in  h's  revival  work,  having  many  souls  for  his  ministra- 
tion. It  was  said  of  him  "that  he  was  an  interesting,  fluent  and 
forceful  speaker.  His  sermons  were  always  well  arranged  and 
well  in  hand.  It  was  frequently  remarked  by  the  older  members 
that  he  always  concluded  his  sermons  before  they  were  half  ready 
for  him  to  quit. 

A  few  years  after  he  located  he  moved  to  Pratt  Co.,  Kan., 
hoping  to  recover  his  lost  voice,  but  not  getting  the  expected  help 
he  moved  to  Salem,  Oregon,  where  he  remained  2  years.  From 
here  he  moved  back  to  Emporia,  Kan.,  realizing  that  his  life  would 
soon  terminate.  Two  days  before  his  demise  he  testified  to  the 
fact  that  "all  is  well  with  my  soul,  and  told  his  family  to  trust  in 
the  Lord  who  doeth  all  things  well."  He  was  survived  by  his 
wife,  five  daughters  and  one  son.  He  was  married  to  Eunice  May 
Dunfee,  April  12,  1869,  in  Pulaski  Co.,  Ind.  His  funeral  was  held 
in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  of  Emporia.  The  pastor.  Rev. 
Ewald  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  preached  the  sermon,  as- 
sisted by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  pastor  and  G.  A.  R.  Post. 


ROBERT  RAINEY   (1844-1897) 


Brother  Rainey  was  born  near 
Fostoria,  Seneca  County,  Ohio,  No- 
vember 17,  1844,  and  departed  this 
life,  April  10,  1897,  and  was  bur- 
ied in  Blakeslee  Cemetery,  Wil- 
liams Co.,  Ohio.  He  was  survived 
by  his  wife  and  children.  He  was 
converted  in  '67  in  the  United 
Brethren  Church,  Seneca  Co.,  O.. 
which  he  also  joined.  He  was  rec- 
ommended to  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence by  the  Oak  Grove  class  on 
Edgerton  Circuit,  and  was  licensed 
April,  1882.  He  was  ordained  as 
deacon  in  '85,  and  elder,  '87. 

He  had  the  privilege  of  being 
reared  by  Christian  parents,  mem- 
bers of  the  United  Brethren 
Church.  His  father  was  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  in  Seneca  Co., 
Ohio,   hence  Robert   received   only 

249 


ROBERT    RAINEY 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

an  ordinary  country  school  education,  but  by  home  readings  and 
study  he  became  fairly  well  equipped  for  his  high  calling.  On  Oct. 
6,  1870,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Anetha  Boughton,  and  in 
1872  moved  to  Williams  ("o.,  0.,  about  6  miles  north-west  of  Bryan, 
where  he  bought  a  small  farm.  Here  he  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  at  Oak  Grove  class  of  Edgerton  Circuit.  He 
continued  serving  the  Lord  with  faithfulness  and  the  church  of  his 
choice  with  acceptability,  and  soon  won  the  esteem  and  confidence 
of  the  people  of  Oak  Grove  class,  which  in  due  time  recommended 
him  for  license.  Previous  to  his  ministry  he  served  as  class-leader 
and  Sunday-school  superintendent,  and  showed  aptness  in  giving 
instructions  and  of  leadership  in  things  spiritual. 

His  father  died  when  he  was  17  years  old,  and  being  thus 
deprived  of  his  father's  sympathy  and  co-operation  in  religious 
w^ork,  lie  had  many  battles  to  fight  alone.  Though  largely  thrown 
upon  his  own  resources,  he  made  his  life  count  for  good.  He  had 
a  peaceful  and  amiable  disposition.  In  character  he  was  true  to 
his  conviction,  and  in  all  his  undertakings  faithful.  His  preach- 
ing was  exhortatory  and  unctuous,  sound  and  effective.  His  de- 
livery was  deliberate,  his  discourses  logical.  He  was  generally  be- 
loved in  and  out  of  the  church,  and  led  many  souls  to  Christ. 
In  his  pastoral  work  he  was  faithful,  and  in  the  performance  of 
his  duties  he  was  systematic.  He  was  devoted  to  his  family.  Bro. 
Rainey  served  about  12  years  in  the  ministry  on  the  following 
fields:  1882-3,  Defiance  Mission;  Twin  Lakes,  1883-6;  Edgerton, 
1886-8.  Then  he  located  on  his  farm  for  about  5  years ;  but  dur- 
ing this  time  supplied  Payne  Mission  lU)  years,  1894-6;  Ft.  Recov- 
ery Circuit;  N.  Webster,  1896-7,  and  Bruce  Lake,  1897,  from 
April  to  June  10th,  when  he  died.  L.  Newman  and  D.  D.  Spangler 
conducted  the  funeral  at  Kewana,  and  D.  S.  Oakes  officiated  at  the 
old  home  in  Oak  Grove.     He  lies  buried  in  Blakeslee  Cemetery. 


SCHUYLER  D.  RAINEY  (1880-1907) 

Schuyler,  son  of  Rev.  R.  Rainey,  was  born  6  miles  north-west 
of  Bryan,  0.,  March  3,  1880,  and  died  Aug.  22,  1907.  His  body 
lies  buried  in  Blakeslee  Cemetery.  Schuyler  was  17  years  old 
when  his  father  died,  and,  with  his  mother,  he  moved  upon  a  farm 
in  Williams  Co.,  O.  He  attended  high  school  in  Portland,  Ind., 
and  also  took  a  short  course  in  vocal  and  instrumental  music,  which 
was  a  great  help  to  him  in  his  ministry. 

He  received  careful  religious  instruction  at  home,  and  at  the 
age  of  9  years,  at  Oak  Grove,  under  the  labors  of  J.  Rees,  was  con- 

250 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

verted  to  God  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He 
developed  into  a  strong  and  useful  young  Christian,  and  the  so- 
ciety, recognizing  his  piety  and  ability  as  a  leader,  promoted  him 
to  the  superintendency  of  the  Sunday-school.  He  also  was  elected 
as  class-leader,  appointed  as  steward,  organist  and  chorister,  and 
in  time  filled  nearly  all  offices  with  tact  and  ability.  Amidst  all 
this  he  beautifully  manifested  a  spirit  of  humility,  courage  and  de- 
votion to  God  and  his  church. 

In  the  spring  of  1904  his 
class  recommended  him  to  Con- 
ference, and  in  April,  1904,  he 
was  licensed  as  preacher  on  pro- 
bation. He  did  not  take  work, 
however,  until  April,  1905,  when 
he  was  assigned  to  Scott  Mission, 
which  he  served  acceptably  to 
the  time  of  his  unexpected  death. 
He  was  a  fluent  speaker,  and 
had  a  good,  easy  delivery.  His 
sermons  were  plain,  practical 
and  Scriptural.  He  gave  every 
promise  of  a  very  useful  pastor 
and  dispenser  of  God's  Word.  In 
his  manner  he  was  dignified.  His 
social  nature  and  his  clean  wit 
made  him  friends  easily,  but  he 
had  no  place  for  frivolity.  He  led 
some  souls  to  Christ  in  his  short 
ministry.  He  was  married  to 
Miss  Anne  Krill  of  Oak  Grove,  June  6,  1906.  She  was  a  member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  near  here,  and  proved  a  very 
acceptable  helpmate  to  him.  D.  Martz  officiated  at  his  funeral. 
Other  ministers  were  present  and  assisted. 


SCHUYLER  D.  RAINEY 


JOHN    RIEGEL    (1808-1888) 


This  brother  was  born  July  6,  1808,  and  died  near  Lights- 
ville,  Darke  Co.,  O.,  in  1888.  Early  in  life  he  was  converted  to 
God  and  joined  the  Evangelical  Association.  The  grace  of  God 
was  with  him,  and  he  became  actively  interested  in  the  work  of 
the  church.  For  some  time  he  served  as  exhorter ;  later  his 
class   recommended   hnn   as  a   preacher  of  the   Gospel.     In   1835 

251 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

the  Central  Pennsylvania  Conference  licensed  him,  and  he  entered 
the  active  ranks,  continuing  3  years,  enduring  the  hardships  of 
an  early  itinerant.  In  1838  he  transferred  to  the  Ohio  Confer- 
ence and  served  1  year  on  Circleville  Circuit  in  Pickaway,  0.  In 
1839  he  moved  to  Darke  Co.,  O.,  north  of  Greenville,  into  the  wild 
woods,  where  he  engaged  in  secular  work  and  was  quite  success- 
ful, yet  he  did  not  forget  his  spiritual  needs,  nor  of  the  people 
around  him.  H.  E.  Neff  said,  "He  served  here  as  local  preacher, 
comforted  many  in  sorrows,  and  spiritually  fed  many  hungry 
souls."  Several  years  prior  to  his  death  he  became  unable  to  at- 
tend the  regular  divine  services,  due  to  impaired  health.  But 
his  faith  in  God  never  wavered.  He  was  generally  found  read- 
ing his  Bible  and  church  papers.  They  were  his  constant  com- 
panions. He  felt  his  life-work  was  done,  and  that  he  was  merely 
waiting  for  his  departure.  Often  he  said,  "I  will  patiently  wait 
till  the  good  Lord  wills  to  call  me  home,"  Towards  the  last  his 
mind  became  seriously  impaired,  but  just  before  death  he  seemed 
to  have  regained  the  right  use  of  his  mind  and  said,  "Glory  to 
God,"  and  expired.  His  end  was  peace.  He  had  11  children. 
H.  E,  Neff,  pastor,  then  a  member  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  con- 
ducted the  obsequies,     J.  Shamber  and  Rev.  McKibben  assisted. 


RUBEN  RIEGEL    (1818-1890) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  entered  this  life  in  Armagh  Tp.,' 
Mifflin  Co.,  Pa.,  April  22,  1818,  and  died  May  14,  1890,  in  Middle- 
port  (Dunlaps),  Ind.  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  Smith 
Cemetery,  Elkhart  Co.  He  was  converted  to  God  in  Warren,  0., 
Jan.,  1834,  and  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In 
1842  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Aultman  of  Summit  Co.,  0.,  a 
pious  young  woman  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  By  her  re- 
quest he  united  with  the  church  of  her  choice,  and  from  this  class 
he  received  his  recommendation  to  the  Ohio  Conference  for  license 
as  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  which  was  voted  him  in  the  spring  of 
1846.  He  was  ordained  as  deacon  in  1849  and  as  elder  in  1852. 
When  the  Michigan  Conference  was  organized,  in  1864,  he  became 
a  charter  member  thereof.  In  1866  his  wife  died  and  was  buried 
in  the  Smith  Cemetery  in  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind.  He  was  married  the 
second  time  to  Mary  Stull  in  1868, 

HIS  BOYHOOD  AND  CONVERSION 

His  father  was  a  Lutheran  and  very  much  opposed  to  Metho- 
dism,    His  mother,  however,  was  a  whole-souled  Methodist,  very 

252 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


pious  and  conscientious  in  her 
religious  duties.  Her  strict, 
pious  and  every-day  Christian 
life  exerted  such  a  salutary  in- 
fluence over  her  husband  that 
he  finally  yielded  and  was  con- 
verted to  God.  He  lived  a  good, 
Christian  life,  and  became 
class-leader,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  for  a  long  time.  The 
whole  family  of  children  were 
converted  through  the  influ- 
ence of  the  pious  mother.  When 
Ruben  was  yet  a  small  boy  his 
parents  moved  from  Pennsyl- 
vania to  Weatherfield,  0.,  lo- 
cating on  a  farm.  Here  he  re- 
ceived his  first  schooling,  about 
which  he  said :  "Having  poor 
books  and  poor  teachers,  and 
having  a  great  distance  to  go, 
I  got  but  little  schooling, 
scarcely  worth  talking  about." 
From  Weatherfield  the  family 
moved  to  Warren,  0.  Here,  ac- 
cording to  his  own  statement,  "I  grew  very  wicked,  and  all  the 
good  that  was  ever  in  me  was  entirely  rooted  out."  But  later  he 
was  converted  and  remained  a  Methodist  until  1842,  when,  at  the 
time  of  his  marriage,  he  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association. 

HIS  CALL  TO  TPIE   MINISTRY 

Ruben  became  active  in  the  church  and  soon  received  the  in- 
ner call  to  enter  the  Gospel  ministry.  Yielding  was  not  without 
serious  difficulties,  his  experience  in  this  being  very  similar  to  that 
of  other  men  who  had  realized  the  divine  call,  but  who  lacked  suffi- 
cient schooling.  But  he  finally  obeyed  and  received  his  license. 
In  1846  he  received  his  first  charge,  Bristol  Circuit,  under  Frank- 
lin Tobias ;  1847-8  he  served  on  Wayne  Circuit  with  Phil.  Schwartz. 
This  was  a  very  successful  year.  His  next  field  was  Columbiana, 
1848-50.  In  1850  he  served  Mansfield.  At  the  close  of  the  second 
year  he  had  to  locate  in  order  to  recuperate  his  broken  health.  In 
1853  he  re-entered  the  work  and  was  assigned  to  Miami  Circuit. 
Then  Lancaster,  Pickaway  and  Mansfield.     Thus  ended  11  years 

253 


RUBEN  RIEGEL 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

of  active  service  in  the  Ohio  Conference,  serving  each  year  with  a 
colleague. 

In  June,  1859,  he  came  to  Indiana,  settling  west  of  Goshen, 
Ind.  In  September  of  this  year  he  entered  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence and  served  the  following  fields :  1859-60,  Elkhart  Circuit ; 
1860-1,  South  Bend  Circuit;  1861-3,  St.  Mary's  Circuit;  1863-4, 
Berrien,  in  Michigan,  and  when  the  Michigan  Conference  was  or- 
ganized, in  1864,  he  volunteered  to  join  it.  He  said,  "I  volunteered 
to  go  and  help  to  start  the  new  institution  and  bring  it  into  run- 
ning order."  He  was  returned  to  Berrien  Circuit  in  1864.  In 
1865-7  he  served  St.  Joseph  Circuit,  traveling  4  years  in  this  Con- 
ference. In  1866,  the  second  year  he  was  in  this  Conference,  he  lost 
his  dear  companion.  She  had  nobly  stood  by  him  in  his  work,  and 
patiently  bore  the  privations  of  an  itinerant's  life.  This  bereave- 
ment v/as  a  serious  loss  and  severe  trial  to  him.  In  speaking  of 
this  he  said,  "Had  not  the  Lord  been  with  me  in  blessings  and 
comforts,  my  poor  heart,  and,  perhaps,  my  head,  would  have  gone 
down  under  the  waves." 

RE-ENTERED  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

In  Sept.,  1868,  he  returned  to  the  Indiana  Conference,  and 
then  served  Huntington  2  years.  In  1870  he  was  assigned  to 
Cicero  charge  and  Kendallville  Circuit  from  Sept.,  1872-3,  when 
he  located.    He  did  excellent  service. 

HIS   RE-ENTRANCE   INTO   THE    MICHIGAN    CONFERENCE 

Bro.  Riegel  had  a  very  warm  heart  for  the  Michigan  Confer- 
ence, and  in  1876  reunited  with  this  Conference  and  was  assigned 
the  last  2  years  of  his  active  ministry  to  Fremont  and  Marcellus 
Circuits.  In  the  spring  of  1878  he  was  compelled  to  locate  per- 
manently on  account  of  infirmities  he  doubtless  contracted  by  ex- 
posures to  wet  and  cold.  Inroads  upon  his  health  were  gradually 
made,  which  caused  him  great  suffering.  Speaking  of  his  condi- 
tion, he  said,  "I  was  much  afflicted,  especially  after  taking  cold, 
or  getting  soaked  through  with  drenching  rains.  So  I  concluded 
it  would  be  best  to  keep  near  the  shore  (his  home)  with  my  broken 
boat."  Later  he  again  moved  within  the  bounds  of  the  Indiana 
Conference,  locating  in  Middleport,  where  he  died.  During  his 
ministry  hundreds  of  souls  were  converted  and  united  with  the 
Evangelical  Association.  Rev.  Aug.  Geist  said  of  him  in  the  bi- 
ography, "As  a  preacher  he  was  well  versed  in  the  Scriptures, 
which  he  studied  day  and  night.  His  pulpit  ministration  partook 
largely  of  God's  Word.     His  preaching  and  manner  in  the  pulpit, 

254 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

as  in  everything  else,  was  precise  to  a  fault.  He  often  preached 
with  great  unction  and  power.  As  a  retired  preacher  he  rarely,  if 
ever,  disappointed  the  preacher-in-charge  or  the  people.  He  fully 
exemplified  in  his  life  at  home  and  abroad  the  doctrines  he  preached 
to  others.  He  was  a  good  man,  and  "full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost." 

After  he  closed  his  active  ministry  he  took  a  retrospective 
view  of  his  labors  and  said,  "I  am  glad  I  could  give  so  many  of 
my  best  years  to  Jesus,  that  I  could  serve  him  as  a  traveling  min- 
ister as  long  as  I  did.  I  do  not  regret  the  course  I  took,  and  what 
I  sufiered  in  the  flesh  by  day  and  by  night,  traveling  over  bad 
roads,  crossing  unbridged  creeks,  rivers,  etc."  While  he  was  able 
to  travel  he  "did  not  hold  his  life  dear  unto  himself." 

SOME  OF  HIS  SPECIAL  EXPERIENCES 

On  one  of  his  trips  he  started  from  Smith's  class,  north- 
west of  Elkhart,  and  proceeded  to  West  Bangor,  Michigan,  when 
that  state  was  all  but  a  total  wilderness.  Often  the  forests  were 
trackless,  and  at  very  best  had  mere  Indian  trails  in  which  to 
follow.  The  people  were  very  poor,  living  in  log  cabins,  with 
earthen  floors,  while  the  snow  had  ready  access  to  the  beds  at 
night.  Nevertheless,  they  were  glad  to  see  the  preachers  come, 
and  shared  with  them  the  very  best  they  had.  Hungry  hearers 
for  the  Gospel  made  preaching  a  delight,  and  glorious  times  were 
inevitable.  He  often  said,  "Those  early  times  were  the  best  and 
happiest  of  my  Christian  life."  During  the  first  year  he  had  the 
enormous  salary  of  $44.28,  and  the  second  year  $48 ! 

At  one  time  he  held  a  revival  in  Ohio,  in  a  neighborhood 
where  most  of  the  people  were  Lutherans,  who  were  very  much  op- 
posed to  Methodism.  "There  were  many  converted  among  them. 
One  man,  75  years  of  age,  was  happily  converted.  When  he  en- 
tered the  service  he  seemed  quite  feeble,  and  a  comfortable  chair 
was  brought  him,  but  when  he  received  the  pardon  of  his  sins 
he  forgot  his  enfeebled  condition  and  glorified  God.  As  the  peo- 
ple in  this  place  had  little  or  no  experience  in  vital  Christianity, 
when  they  were  powerfully  blessed  and  saved,  they  made  some  very 
odd  expressions  to  describe  their  feelings.  One  young  woman, 
when  asked  how  she  felt,  said:  "I  am  so  happy  I  could  fly  like  a 
wild  goose !" 

At  one  time,  in  the  first  year  of  his  ministry,  while  on  his 
way  to  an  appointment,  he  tried  to  find  a  text  from  which  to 
preach.  It  seemed  as  though  there  were  no  texts  in  the  whole 
Bible  that  he  could  make  use  of.     He  couldn't  even  find  a  suitable 

255 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

hymn  !  Everything  seemed  a  blank !  He  was  tempted  to  go  back 
home,  and  had  already  turned  his  horse  about  when  the  thought 
came  to  him,  "I  will  not  let  the  devil  whip  me  like  that ;  I  will  go 
to  my  appointment  and  will  try  at  least  to  sing  and  pray  with  the 
people."  When  the  place  was  reached  he  found  the  house  filled 
with  people.  He  lifted  his  heart  in  prayer,  and  with  God's  help 
opened  the  service.  The  darkness  that  surrounded  his  soul  began 
to  dispel  and  give  way  to  the  light  of  heaven,  and  the  meeting 
ended  most  gloriously.  At  another  time  he  was  halted  upon  the 
street  of  a  certain  village,  his  arrestors  claiming  that  he  was  rid- 
ing upon  a  horse  that  answers  to  the  description  of  one  that  had 
been  stolen.  After  he  finally  succeeded  in  making  plain  that  he 
was  a  minister  of  the  Gospel  they  permitted  him  to  proceed,  and 
he  went  on  his  way  rejoicing.  At  another  time,  when  about  to 
cross  the  Wabash  River  near  Wabash,  Ind.,  his  horse  became 
frightened  and  dashed  over  the  embankment,  plunging  buggy  and 
occupant  into  the  very  jaws  of  death.  It  was  a  miracle  that  he 
escaped  with  his  life.  Creeks  often  had  to  be  forded  as  well  as 
rivers,  which,  in  their  swollen  and  treacherous  condition,  were  a 
constant  peril.     Several  times  he  had  narrow  scapes  fiom  drowning. 

Some  amusing  things  happened  to  this  witty  brother,  one  of 
which  we  mention.  While  going  from  Benton  to  Kendallville,  as 
he  was  riding  in  his  buggy,  he  fell  asleep  and  toppled  out  of  the 
rig.  His  horse  started  off  at  a  livelier  gate,  leaving  him  behind 
in  the  dusty  road.  M.  Krueger,  who  was  following  with  his  rig, 
thought  that  Riegel's  horse  was  running  away,  and  hurriedly  dis- 
mounted, ran  through  the  woods  so  as  not  to  frighten  Riegel's 
horse,  and  caught  the  animal.  When  he  got  back  to  Riegel,  who, 
by  this  time,  had  picked  himself  up,  he  discovered  that  he  had 
fallen  out  while  taking  a  nap  I  Riegel  was  none  the  worse  for  his 
experience. 

The  obsequies  were  held  in  Middleport  (Dunlaps),  and  were 
conducted  by  Aug.  Geist,  assisted  by  M.  W.  Steffey,  M.  Krueger 
and  J.  Hoff'man. 


JOSEPH  ROHRER   (1801-1884) 

Joseph  Rohrer  was  born  at  Lancaster  Co.,  Pa.,  Oct.  30.  '01, 
died  at  Elkhart  Co.,  Indiana,  June  5th,  '84,  and  was  buried  in 
Elkhart  Co.  He  was  married  to  Maria  Forrey  of  Lancaster  Co., 
Pa.,  in  '27,  who  lived  together  in  happiness  for  57  years.  By  dili- 
gence he  accumulated  considerable  property,  and,  considering  his 
early  training,  was,  quite  liberal  toward  benevolences.     In  '32  he 

256 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 


moved  to  Stark  Co.,  Ohio,  and  in  '52  to  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind.  At  the 
age  of  20  he  was  thoroughly  converted  and  united  with  the  "Old 
Mennonite  Church,*'  in  which  he  later  served  as  a  faithful  min- 
ister over  the  space  of  15  years.  He  was  a  man  of  convictions,  and 
spoke  them  freely. 

In  the  course  of  time  certain  views  held  by  the  Mennonite 
Church,  together  with  several  practices  observed  by  them,  seemed 
to  him  to  be  not  only  unauthorized  by  the  Scriptures,  but  con- 
trary to  them.  He  spoke  forth  his  belief  on  these  matters  and 
was  consequently  deposed  from  office  as  a  minister  in  the  Menno- 
nite Church.  Later  he  began  attending  the  services  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Association,  and,  having  studied  her  doctrines  and  polity, 
was  convinced  of  the  biblical  basis  upon  which  she  was  founded, 
united  with  her,  and  was  licensed  as  a  preacher  on  probation. 
For  a  number  of  years  he  labored  faithfully  and  successfully  as 
a  local  preacher  in  the  Indiana  Conference. 

His  preaching  was  "plain,  practical  and  urgent,"  and  won 
many  souls  to  Christ.  R.  Riegel  and  D.  Martz  officiated  at  his 
funeral.  

PETER  ROTH   (1819-1898) 

This  servant  of  God  was  born  in  Scharbach,  Lothringen,  Ger- 
many, Dec.  31,  1819,  and  departed  this  life  in  South  Bend,  Ind., 
Jan.  22,  1898,  where  he  is  also 
buried.  He  was  converted  in 
Greenville,  Ohio,  and  united  with 
the  Evangelical  Association.  In 
'59  the  Greenville  society  recom- 
mended him  to  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference, and  in  September  of  this 
year  he  was  licensed  as  preacher 
on  probation.  He  was  ordained 
as  deacon  in  '61,  and  as  elder  in 
'63.  He  was  married  to  Susanna 
Mary  Klein  in  '41,  and  was  sur- 
vived by  his  wife,  1  son  and  3 
daughters. 

Bro,  Roth  immigrated  to 
America,  when  a  mere  lad,  with 
his  parents  in  '31,  settling  in 
Greenville,  0.  His  parents  were 
poor,  which  made  it  necessary  for 
him  to  assist  in  securing  a  home, 

257 


PETER  ROTH 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

and  deprived  him  of  all  school  privileges.  However,  he  used  his 
spare  moments  to  study  reading  and  writing.  Not  realizing  his 
coming  need  of  English  he  studied  only  in  the  German  language. 

He  was  reared  in  the  Roman  Catholic  faith,  but  providential- 
ly was  not  to  remain  a  part  of  that  church.  He  was  20  years  old 
when  he  first  saw  a  Bible.  It  was  at  Greenville,  where  he  came 
under  the  influence  of  the  true  Gospel  of  Christ,  preached  by 
Isaac  Hoifert  and  Henry  Longbrake,  and  was  truly  converted  to 
God.  He  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  For  this 
he  was  severely  persecuted,  even  driven  from  home,  which  per- 
secution he  patiently  endured,  considering  it  was  for  Jesus'  sake. 
He  was  a  cooper  by  trade  and  had  his  own  cooper-shop  in  Green- 
ville, furnishing  employment  to  quite  a  number  of  men. 

HIS  CALL  TO  THE  MINISTRY 

Soon  after  his  conversion  he  was  elected  class-leader,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  acceptably  for  16  years.  Concerning  his  call 
to  the  ministry  he  said,  "For  a  long  time  I  realized  that  I  should 
go  forth  and  preach  the  Gospel,  but  I  did  not  reveal  this  convic- 
tion to  any  one."  After  much  hesitancy  and  waiting,  on  account 
of  inefficiency,  he  finally  yielded  to  the  high  and  holy  calling. 
He  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  Conference  session  in  '59,  also 
being  received  into  the  itinerancy,  as  was  then  the  custom.  As  his 
diary  became  lost  to  the  family,  there  can  be  no  detailed  sketch 
written  of  his  life. 

FIELDS   HE   SERVED 

In  Sept.,  '59-61,  he  was  assigned  with  R.  Riegel  to  Elkhart 
Circuit,  which  was  then  almost  as  extensive  as  the  present  north- 
ern half  of  Elkhart  District.  In  '61-2  he  served  on  Fulton  Cir- 
cuit with  Daniel  Bartholomew  and  Geo.  Kloepfer.  In  '62-4  he 
served  St.  Joseph  Circuit.  This  was  a  glorious  year,  100  persons 
having  been  converted,  most  of  whom  also  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association.  In  '64-5  he  served  Greenville  Circuit,  from 
whence  he  started  out.  In  '68-70  he  served  Waupecong  Mission 
(now  Bunker  Hill  Circuit).  In  '70-72  he  was  assigned  to  St. 
Mary's  Circuit ;  he  was  assisted  the  second  year  by  S.  S.  Condo. 
In  '72  he  had  Benton  Circuit,  with  Aug.  Geist  as  colleague.  In 
'73-5  he  served  Wanatah  Circuit  with  splendid  results.  In  '75-6 
he  was  appointed  to  Marshall  Circuit  in  Illinois,  which,  he  said, 
"was  his  most  successful  year."  In  '76-8  he  served  Ft.  Wayne, 
Bethel  Mission,  which,  on  account  of  sickness,  ended  his  active 
ministerial  life. 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Of  his  own  work  he  says,  "My  first  2  years  were  years  of 
g-reat  and  severe  trials.  It  was  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  War ; 
provisions  at  this  time  were  high,  and  the  salary  very  meager. 
There  were  7  of  us  in  the  family  to  be  supported,  and  we  were  not 
immune  to  sickness  and  death."  His  salary  the  first  year  reached 
the  munificent  sum  of  $62.46,  and  the  second  year  $90.62!  The 
people  then  were  poor,  and  hence  great  difficulties  stared  him  in 
the  face.  He  said  "it  became  necessary  for  him  to  use  up  what 
little  he  had  accumulated  in  his  cooper  trade  to  support  his  family 
during  these  stringent  years," 

THE   CLOSING   YEARS   OF    HIS   LIFE 

He  located  in  South  Bend,  Ind.,  in  April,  '78.  For  some  time 
thereafter  he  was  agent  for  Dr.  Fink's  Magic  Oil,  of  which  he  sold 
a  considerable  amount,  and  he  had  sub-agents  in  various  places. 
He  also  sold  an  excellent  remedy  for  diphtheria.  For  quite  a  while 
before  his  death  he  was  in  feeble  health,  gradually  decreasing  and 
finally  his  earthly  pilgrimage  came  to  an  end. 

Rev.  Aug.  Geist,  who  w^as  a  colleague  with  Bro.  Roth  for  one 
year,  bears  testimony  to  his  preaching  as  follows :  "I  looked  to 
him  as  a  model  of  a  preacher.  I  noted  his  manner  of  life  and  the 
spirit  and  manner  of  his  preaching.  He  never  impressed  me  as  a 
strong  textual  preacher;  he  usually  selected  texts  that  were  sim- 
ple and  clear.  His  sermons  were  mostly  practical  and  illustrative. 
For  example,  on  John  2:  10,  he  illustrated  the  distinction  between 
the  natural  human  life  at  its  best  and  the  immeasurable  superior- 
ity of  the  divine  life,"  In  his  preaching  he  was  not  particularly 
demonstrative,  only  when  under  the  special  inspiration  of  the 
Spirit,  and  then  his  amotions  were  manifest  by  his  tears.  He 
further  says  of  his  characteristics,  "that  he  was  cheerful,  tender- 
hearted and  indulgent,  perhaps  to  a  fault.  His  services  as  preacher 
were  quite  acceptable  to  the  people.  Souls  were  saved  by  his 
ministry,  and  the  church  people  were  edified  and  built  up," 

Rev,  F.  Schweitzer  had  charge  of  the  funeral  service  and 
preached  the  sermon.  Other  ministers  were  present  and  partici- 
pated. 


BERNHARD  RUH   (1827-1910) 

Bro.  Ruh,  a  charter  member  of  the  Conference,  was  born  in 
Hessen-Darmstadt,  Germany,  Dec.  27,  1827,  and  died  in  the  Lord, 
So.  Bend,  Ind„  Mar,  25,  1910.     He  came  to  America  in  his  21st 

259 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

year,  and,  locating  in  Chicago,  found  employment  with  his  brother. 
Here  he  became  acquainted  with  the  Evangelical  Association,  to 
which  church  his  brother  belonged,  and  under  the  preaching  of 
Rev.  Chr.  Holl  he  was  convicted  of  his  sins  and  led  to  sincere  re- 
pentance, and  after  6  months  of  careful  and  earnest  seeking  found 
the  Lord.  This  was  in  1850.  He  had  united  with  the  church  8 
days  before  and  was  now  a  happy  Evangelical. 

Recommended  by  his  class  for  the  ministry  in  '52,  and  was 
licensed  as  preacher  on  probation  at  the  session  of  the  Illinois 
Conference,  held  at  Naperville,  111.,  in  June.  He  united  with  the 
Indiana  Conference  at  its  organization  and  served  in  it  IIV2  years 
upon  the  following  charges :  '52,  Elkhart  Circuit,  under  Jos.  Fisher ; 
'58-5,  Marshall  Circuit;  '55,  Olney  Mission;  '56,  Berrien,  with 
John  Fuchs;  '57,  under  Chr.  Glaus,  Miami  Circuit,  lying  in  Ohio; 
'58,  P^ulton  Circuit,  assisted  by  Peter  Burgener;  '59,  Hunting- 
ton Mission;  '60,  Berrien  Circuit,  assisted  by  J.  M.  Gomer;  '61, 
Elkhart  Circuit,  with  Phil.  Schwartz.  In  '62  he  asked  for  his  cre- 
dentials, wishing  to  go  West,  and  they  were  granted. 

In  April,  '63,  he  united  with  the  Illinois  Conference,  and 
served  16  years  as  follows :  Deer  Grove,  Rockville,  Grand  Prairie, 
Dunkle  Grove,  Hampshire,  Batavia,  Henry  Mission,  Chatsworth 
and  Center  Lake,  in  all  27  years.  In  '79  he  located,  owing  to  bod- 
ily infirmities,  and  lived  to  be  the  last  of  the  charter  members. 

Bro.  Ruh  had  a  very  sensitive  nature,  which  caused  him 
more  or  less  heartache,  opposition  and  unfriendliness.  Yet  with 
all  this  he  had  a  strong  social  side,  loving  company,  and  himself 
was  entertaining.  Owing  to  some  local  church  disturbance  in 
South  Bend,  Ind.,  where  he  resided  from  the  time  he  located  to  his 
demise,  he  left  the  Evangelical  Association  and  united  with  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  But  in  the  spring  of  1902,  at  the 
50th  Anniversary  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  held  in  South  Bend, 
he  was  again  received  as  a  local  elder.  He  was  ordained  deacon 
in  '54,  and  as  elder  in  '58. 

He  was  married  to  Katherine  Laudeman  of  Bremen,  Ind., 
June  25,  1856.  One  daughter  was  born  to  them.  Mrs.  Ruh  died 
Aug.,  1858.  In  '59  he  was  married  the  second  time  to  Katherine 
Schafer  of  South  Bend,  Ind.,  who  also  died  in  that  place.  In  '94 
he  was  married  the  third  time  to  Bertha  Walters  of  Chicago,  who 
cared  for  him  until  his  death.  Besides  his  wife  he  was  survived 
by  one  daughter  and  one  nephew.  Rev.  H.  Schleucher  and  R.  J.  S. 
Meyer  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  officiated  at  the  funeral 
services.    His  body  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  South  Bend  Cemetery. 

260 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

ABSOLOM  B.  SCHAFER   (1797-1869) 

This  herald  of  the  cross  was  born  in  Forest,  Shenandoah  Co., 
Va.,  Sept.  12,  1797,  and  died  very  suddenly  at  his  home  in  E.  Ger- 
mantown,  Ind.,  Dec.  20,  1869.  His  body  was  also  interred  in  this 
place.  In  May,  1830,  he  was  licensed  as  preacher  on  probation  by 
the  Western  Conference  and  received  into  the  itinerancy.  In  May, 
1851  and  1855,  the  Ohio  Conference  elected  him  to  the  office  of 
Presiding-  Elder,  and  was  assigned  to  Scioto  and  Sandusky  District 
respectively.  He  was  at  this  time  also  elected  as  delegate  to  Gen- 
eral Conference,  which  met  in  October  in  the  Stone  Church  near 
Flat  Rock,  Ohio,  and  again  in  1855,  when  the  General  Conference 
met  in  Lebanon,  Pa.  When  he  returned  home  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  from 
the  General  Conference  in  1855  he  found  his  wife  dangerously  ill, 
and,  six  days  later,  June  5,  she  entered  into  rest.  This  was  a  se- 
vere loss  to  him.  He,  however,  gave  himself  to  his  work  and  served 
the  district  to  the  best  of  his  abihty.  Not  willing  to  give  up  his 
work,  nor  neglect  his  children,  at  the  close  of  the  year  he  married 
Hester  Wallick,  who  became  a  congenial  companion  to  him.  In 
the  spring  of  1856  he  resigned  as  Presiding  Elder  in  the  Ohio  Con- 
ference, and  united  with  the  Indiana  Conference,  which  gladly 
received  him.  This  Conference  was  divided  into  three  Presiding 
Elder  districts,  and  he  was  elected  as  Presiding  Elder  and  assigned 
to  Whitewater  District,  which  he  served  SV^  years.  Conference 
being  changed  from  June  to  September,  when  he  found  it  neces- 
sary to  resign.  In  1859-61  he  served  Evansville  Mission.  In 
1861-2,  South  Bend  Circuit.  In  1862-3,  Indianapolis  Mission.  In 
1863-5,  South  Bend  Mission.  In  1865-6,  Cincinnati  Mission.  In 
September,  1866,  he  reluctantly  retired  and  took  a  superannuated 
relation  to  Conference.  He  continued  to  take  a  deep  interest  in 
the  work  of  the  church,  preaching  frequently  and  attending  every 
Annual  Conference  session  to  the  very  last,  participating  in  the 
transactions.  He  was  true  and  devoted  to  the  end.  Of  him  it 
could  truly  be  said,  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant, 
.  .  .  .  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord."  No  minister  of 
the  Conference  was  held  in  higher  esteem  than  Father  Schafer. 
He  served  in  the  active  and  local  ministry  89  years.  He  repre- 
sented the  Ohio  Conference  4  times  as  delegate  to  General  Con- 
ference, the  Illinois  Conference  once,  and  the  Indiana  Conference 
three  times.  He  was  ordained  deacon  in  March,  1836,  and  as  elder 
in  1839.     He  was  appointed  General  Conference  secretary  in  1843. 

261 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

HIS  EDUCATION   AND  RELIGIOUS   INSTRUCTION 

The  community  in  which  Schafer  was  born  was  composed  of 
European  Germans  who  adhered  to  their  religious  creeds,  cus- 
toms and  language.  As  a  boy  he  heard  derogatory  reports  con- 
cerning Methodists  who  taught  experimental  religion.  He  was 
taught  in  the  doctrines  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  was  catechised 
from  the  9th  to  14th  year,  and  then  was  confirmed  and  admit- 
ted to  communion.  In  later  years  he  highly  appreciated  this  train- 
ing, and  later  in  life  said,  "If  at  the  time  of  my  confirmation  I  had 
been  properly  instructed,  my  susceptible  heart  would  have  been 
led  to  repentance  and  conversion,  but,  alas !"  Though  the  law 
was  preached,  awakening  and  convicting  men  of  their  sins,  they 
were  not  taught  how  to  obtain  pardon  for  sin  and  newness  of  life 
in  Christ.  After  his  first  admission  to  the  communion  he  resolved 
to  lead  a  Christian  life.  He  shunned  all  wicked  associations,  re- 
pented bitterly  of  wrongs  he  did,  but  being  deprived  of  proper 
guidance,  his  good  resolves  faded  away,  and  he  became  calloused, 
careless,  and,  neglecting  prayer,  soon  drifted  into  sin. 

HIS   MARRIAGE   AND   REMOVAL   TO  FAIRFIELD 

In  1818  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Elizabeth  Zerkle. 
Four  sons  and  four  daughters  were  born  to  them.  Soon  after 
marriage  he  moved  to  Fairfield  Co.,  0.,  arriving  there  Oct.  15,  and 
having  severed  former  associations,  he  hoped  to  be  able  to  lead  a 
better  life.  Inquiring  about  churches  in  this  community,  he  found 
that  there  were  Methodists,  United  Brethren,  "Albrights,"  Bap- 
tists, Lutherans,  etc.  He  soon  made  himself  known  to  the  Luther- 
ans as  being  a  Lutheran,  and  rejoiced  to  find  a  religious  society 
that  he  could  call  his  own.  J.  M.  Steck  was  the  pastor,  whom  he 
regarded  as  eloquent,  and  many  believed  him  converted.  Soon 
he  was  appointed  as  deacon.  He  felt  himself  unworthy,  and  the 
position  was  averse  to  him  and  burdensome,  but  he  continued  in 
it  for  four  years,  after  which  he  resigned.  His  inclination  toward 
sinful  pleasures  was  fostered.  He  became  wholly  indifferent  to 
God  and  religion.  Carnality  possessed  him.  Thus  he  continued 
until  the  summer  of  1829,  when  he  was  overseer  of  a  section  of 
the  Ohio  Canal,  which  was  then  under  construction. 

BROUGHT  UNDER  THE  INFLUENCE  OF  THE  EVANGELICAL  ASSOCIATION 

In  the  summer  of  1829,  Rev.  George  Schneider  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  was  sent  from  Pennsylvania  to  Lancaster  Cir- 
cuit of  the  Ohio  Conference.  He  had  a  relative  in  Shafer's  com- 
munity and  sent  a  preaching  appointment  to  him  for  Saturday 

262 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

afternoon  at  the  school-house.  Shafer  was  invited  and  requested 
to  bring  others.  Only  one  man  besides  S.  consented  to  go,  and  he 
took  a  different  route  to  reach  the  place.  While  S.  went  through 
the  woods  he  reflected  upon  his  past  sinful  life,  hoping  that  he 
might  yet  amend,  and  he  resolved  that  if  he  is  convinced  that  the 
preacher  is  a  man  of  God  he  would  heed  all  he  said  and  live  a  bet- 
ter life.  Coming  near  the  school-house  he  saw  the  minister  on 
his  knees  in  a  fallen  tree-top,  praying  with  sobs.  Indescribable 
feelings  possessed  S.  as  he  quietly  passed  by,  fully  convinced  that 
Schneider  was  a  man  of  God.  At  the  school-house  there  were 
only  a  few  present.  Shafer  thought  so  good  a  man  was  worthy 
of  a  better  congregation,  and  proposed  if  the  services  were  post- 
poned till  evening  he  would  try  to  secure  a  larger  hearing.  The 
proposition  was  accepted,  and  he,  with  others,  started  out,  and  by 
night  had  the  house  nearly  full.  While  he  was  inviting  the  peo- 
ple the  preacher's  tears  kept  speaking  to  him.  Bro.  Schneider's 
text  that  evening  was,  "Repent  .  .  .  and  be  converted,"  etc. 
(Acts  3:  19,  20.)  First  he  portrayed  the  state  of  a  sinful  man. 
Shafer  applied  the  remarks  to  himself,  saying,  "I  am  the  man," 
because  his  life  was  so  well  delineated.  His  sins,  his  ungodly  life, 
the  minister's  tears  came  before  him  until  he  wept.  This  man  was 
indeed  a  messenger  of  God  to  him.  In  the  second  part  of  his  dis- 
course he  showed  what  true  repentance  means.  Shafer  caught 
the  meaning,  and  under  the  third  part  of  the  sermon  he  firmly  re- 
solved to  seek  salvation  if  there  was  yet  mercy  for  him. 

HIS    CONVERSION 

At  the  close  of  the  above  service  Bro.  Schneider,  seeing  Sha- 
fer's  affected  condition,  invited  him  to  a  service  the  next  day,  six 
miles  away.  This  was  in  June,  1829.  He  went,  arriving  late,  the 
house  being  full.  He  saw  no  seat.  The  minister,  seeing  his  pre- 
dicament, motioned  him  to  a  seat  in  front.  Shafer  was  known  here 
"as  a  great  sinner."  All  eyes  were  fixed  on  him.  The  preacher's 
text  was  John  8 :  12,  "I  am  the  light  of  the  world."  Again  he 
was  moved  to  tears.  The  hope  of  salvation  was  a  new  inspiration 
to  him.  His  work  on  the  canal  being  finished,  he  went  8  miles 
further  on.  He  was  prone  to  dissipation,  which  gave  him  severe 
conflicts.  He  now  often  called  on  God  secretly,  trying  to  hide  his 
conviction  from  men.  His  penitence  still  "savored  too  much  of 
legality,  thinking  he  must  pray  as  long  as  he  had  sinned."  Having 
no  one  to  counsel,  praying  became  burdensome.  Late  one  rainy 
afternoon  he  went  to  a  village  on  business.     When  he  started  back 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

it  was  dark.  He  followed  the  new  canal  rather  than  the  wagon 
road.  A  high  hill  had  been  cut  down  by  another  company,  of 
which  he  did  not  know,  and  was  suddenly  precipitated  over  a 
twenty-foot  embankment.  Here  he  lay  unconscious  until  daylight, 
and  became  disabled  to  continue  work  on  the  canal. 

A  few  weeks  later  a  school  director  requested  him  to  teach  a 
school,  to  open  soon.  Feeling  able  for  this,  he  entered  into  a  con- 
tract. The  above  accident  and  the  school  engagement  he  ever  re- 
garded a  divine  Providence  and  a  most  fortunate  event  in  his 
career.  The  first  severed  him  from  wicked  men,  and  the  second 
brought  him  under  good  Christian  influence.  Two  of  the  direc- 
tors were  members  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  The  above  inci- 
dent revived  his  conviction  of  sin,  deepened  contrition,  and  aug- 
mented his  burdens,  leading  him  to  much  earnest  prayer  and  dili- 
gent reading  of  the  Bible.  Sunday  morning,  Oct.  25,  1829,  he  read 
Ezek.  18,  which  awakened  a  strong  hope  within  that  there  was  sal- 
vation for  him.  He  spent  the  most  of  the  day  in  the  woods  in 
prayer.  In  the  evening  he  went  to  the  home  of  his  friend  Bright, 
where  Rev.  Yambert  was  to  preach,  but  having  traveled  far,  and 
already  preached  twice  that  day,  and  those  present  being  mostly 
members,  the  preacher  announced  a  class-meeting.  Schafer  was 
disappointed.  He  could  see  no  benefit  in  such  a  meeting  for  him, 
as  he  was  hungry  for  the  Word  of  God.  Yambert  and  others  re- 
lated their  own  experiences. 

This  deeply  affected  S.  He  wished  for  an  opportunity  to  tell 
them  what  a  great  sinner  he  was,  and  to  ask  them  to  pray  for  him. 
Scarcely  had  he  conceived  the  thought  when  the  minister  turned 
to  him,  saying,  "Friend  Schafer,  how  is  it  with  you?"  Crying 
audibly,  he  said,  "I  am  a  great  sinner ;  pray  for  me."  Then  he  fell 
on  his  knees,  and  mightily  cried  to  God  for  mercy.  During  his 
soul-struggle  he  knew  not  how  he  prayed  or  what  occurred,  except 
that  God's  people  were  earnestly  praying  for  him.  After  agoniz- 
ing for  two  hours,  God,  for  Christ's  sake,  spoke  peace  to  his  soul. 
He  could  hardly  realize  how  God  could  accept  so  great  a  sinner, 
but  experienced  that  "where  sin  had  abounded  grace  did  much  more 
abound."  The  news  that  "ungodly  Schafer"  was  converted  spread 
with  telegraphic  speed.  Christians  rejoiced,  yet  with  fear,  lest  he 
would  not  "hold  out."  Others  made  sneering  remarks  and  mocked. 
He  met  with  much  opposition,  persecution  and  severe  temptation, 
but  he  prayed  much  for  strength  to  overcome.  He  fully  realized 
that  "if  he  would  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus,  he  must  suffer  perse- 
cution." 

264 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

HIS   EXPERIENCES   IN   THE   CHRISTIAN    LIFE 

The  next  morning  after  his  conversion  he  resolved  to  say  noth- 
ing of  his  new  life,  but  being  full  of  gladness,  he  could  not  re- 
frain from  telling  his  school  all  about  it.  Being  determined  to 
lead  a  Christian  life,  he  told  the  pupils  he  would  also  be  a  Christian 
teacher,  and  would  henceforth  open  and  close  the  school  with 
prayer,  which  he  did.  He  also  held  w^eekly  evening  prayer-meet- 
ings in  his  school-house.  Before  his  school  year  closed  he  had  the 
joy  of  seeing  most  of  his  pupils  converted.  In  this  he  was  gen- 
erally sustained  by  his  patrons.  But  one  man  took  his  children  out, 
saying,  "he  sent  them  to  learn  to  read,  not  to  pray."  There  being 
much  snow  this  winter,  many  knee-marks  could  be  seen  in  the 
woods  adjacent  to  the  school-house,  where  penitent  and  newly  con- 
verted pupils  had  knelt  to  pray.  S.  said,  "During  the  time  of  recess 
the  voice  of  prayer  could  be  heard  in  almost  every  part  of  the 
woods." 

On  his  first  return  home,  after  his  conversion,  he  told  his  wife 
of  his  new  experience.  She  coolly  replied,  "We  will  see."  He  re- 
garded this  on  her  part  as  very  reasonable,  in  view  of  his  past  life. 
He  asked  her  if  he  might  begin  family  worship,  to  which  she  re- 
plied, "Yes,  as  long  as  you  live  accordingly."  Her  compliance  gave 
him  great  joy.  The  same  evening  he  reared  the  family  altar  and 
maintained  it  through  life. 

About  two  months  after  his  conversion  Rev.  Wolf,  an  aged 
local  preacher,  gave  opportunity  to  join  the  church,  and  invited 
Schafer  to  unite.  S.  replied,  "Yes,  if  you  deem  me  worthy  to  be  a 
member  among  you  I  will;  but  if  I  find  you  are  not  sincere  I  will 
want  to  be  released  again,  and  whenever  you  find  me  not  upright 
tell  me,  and  you  shall  be  rid  of  me."  On  these  conditions  he  joined 
the  Evangelical  Association.  When  he  united  with  the  church  he 
informed  himself  in  the  Discipline,  and  studied  it,  and  learned  to 
love  and  admire  it,  always  regarding  it  very  important  for  church- 
members. 

His  class-leader,  Henry  Downey,  also  a  local  preacher,  had  fre- 
quent Sunday  appointments.  In  his  absence  he  would  appoint 
someone  to  lead  the  prayer-meeting.  Schafer  was  asked  to  lead 
one,  to  which,  after  some  hesitancy,  he  consented.  At  the  specified 
time  he  opened  the  meeting  with  singing  and  prayer.  Then  he  read 
a  Scripture  lesson  and  attempted  to  give  an  exhortation  according 
to  custom,  but  instead  an  indescribable  feeling  of  loud  praises  to 
God  overcame  him.  After  this  he  frequently  was  called  on  to  lead. 
About  3  months  after  his  conversion  Yambert,  the  circuit  preacher, 

265 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

requested  him  to  go  seven  miles  "to  Rausch's  to  hold  a  prayer- 
meeting  in  a  private  house  on  a  Sunday,  in  the  place  of  Bro.  Dow- 
ney, who  was  required  to  go  with  Yambert  to  another  place  to 
help  'in  a  big  meeting.'  "  Schafer,  with  an  unconverted  brother- 
in-law,  arrived  at  the  appointed  place  and  told  them  his  mission. 
He  was  urged  to  preach,  saying  nearly  all  present  were  uncon- 
verted, and  expected  preaching.  He  first  decidedly  refused,  but 
finally  yielded  and  made  the  attempt.  His  text  was  Rom.  5 :  8,  9, 
"But  God  commendeth  his  love,"  etc.  Though  he  began  with  fear 
and  trembling,  he  soon  felt  the  power  of  God,  and  spoke  with  great 
liberty.  Some  regarded  the  fact  that  he  preached  without  proper 
authority  as  presumption,  and  some  preachers  were  illy  affected 
until  they  learned  from  Rausch's  that  they  had  prevailed  upon  him 
to  preach.  Thereupon  Yambert  inquired  of  S.  as  to  his  state  of 
mind,  to  which  he  replied,  "That  I  am  convinced  that  God  had 
something  for  me  to  do,  but  what,  I  do  not  know."  But  for  him, 
in  his  circumstances,  to  go  out  into  the  Gospel  field,  was  impossi- 
ble now,  and  God  would  not  call  a  man  to  impossibilities,  but 
that  he  was  in  the  hands  of  God  and  the  brethren."  Then  Yam- 
bert drew  up  a  recommendation  which  was  signed  by  the  entire 
class.  He  was  examined  before  the  Quarterly  Conference  by  Jos. 
Long,  then  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Ohio  District  of  the  Western 
Conference,  and  on  May  3,  1830,  the  Annual  Conference  licensed 
him  as  a  preacher  on  probation,  and  also  received  him  into  the 
itinerancy. 

He  was  poor,  his  family  large,  his  wife  yet  unconverted,  and 
he  was  largely  dependent  on  worldly  people  for  employment.  These 
things  caused  him  sore  conflicts.  After  the  first  year  his  environ- 
ments improved.  His  wife  became  converted  with  others,  and  a 
class  was  organized,  with  himself  as  leader.  The  Lord  blessed 
them  temporally  and  spiritually,  and  he  now  went  out  frequently 
to  preach,  and  was  often  called  to  conduct  funerals,  and  filled  ap- 
pointments for  circuit  preachers,  and  even  went  100  miles  to  Miami 
Circuit,  and  stayed  four  weeks  at  a  time.  Thus  he  served  six  years 
as  local  preacher.  Then  he  attended  Conference  session  in  March, 
1836,  at  Bro.  Goodwin's  home  in  Wayne  Co.,  Ohio. 

HIS   ACTIVE    MINISTRY 

Being  urged  to  take  work  at  this  session,  he  consented  to  try 
and  arrange  his  aflTairs  so  that  he  might,  after  harvest,  if  there 
was  an  opening.  His  health  was  good.  The  Lord  prospered  him  in 
his  work.  After  harvest  he,  with  his  family,  attended  a  camp- 
meeting,  held  on  the  farm  of  his  friend  Bright.     His  three  oldest 

266 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

children  were  converted.  During-  this  meeting  he  preached  once. 
After  his  sermon  his  wife,  who  had  been  unfavorable  to  his  preach- 
ing, said  to  him,  "Now  you  shall  no  longer  be  kept  from  the  Gos- 
pel field  by  me,  for  I  am  now  fully  convinced  that  you  are  called 
thereto,  and  if  a  door  opens  to  you,  enter."  From  this  time  on  she 
never  complained  of  his  long  absence  from  home,  leaving  her  to 
care  for  the  family,  nor  in  any  way  hindered  him  in  his  itinerancy. 
Rev.  Brickley,  Presiding  Elder,  having  received  a  request  from 
Rev.  John  Lutz,  on  Miami  Circuit,  for  help,  asked  Schafer  to  meet 
this  request. 

He  left  home  the  last  part  of  Sept.,  1836,  with  the  Presiding 
Elder  for  Miami  Circuit,  and  at  the  age  of  39  years  he  entered  upon 
his  itinerancy.  Inexpressible  fears  assailed  him  lest  he  should 
not  succeed  so  late  in  life,  and,  possibly,  bring  his  family  to  want, 
and  grave  doubts  as  to  his  call  to  the  itinerancy  assailed  him. 
Upon  their  arrival  a  quarterly  meeting  was  held.  He  found  in 
Bro.  Lutz  a  good  and  congenial  colleague,  and,  although  younger  in 
years,  he  yet  had  considerable  more  experience.  They  arranged 
their  appointments  and  started  on  their  extended  circuit,  which 
reached  over  to  Mt.  Carmel,  111.,  where  Lutz  had  begun  Gospel 
work  in  the  spring  of  this  year.  About  bi-weekly  they  met  each 
other  for  mutual  encouragement  and  rehearsal  of  their  adventures 
and  experiences.  This  term  of  five  months  was  a  good  schooling 
for  him,  learning  many  heretofore  unknown  things,  especially  the 
value  of  much  prayer.  Returning  home  he  found  the  family  re- 
signed to  his  absence,  which  greatly  encouraged  him,  and  he  ar- 
ranged for  another  year. 

Lacking  a  horse  for  travel,  since  he  had  to  leave  the  one  he 
had  used  at  home  for  farming,  and  having  no  money  to  buy  an- 
other, Bro.  Bright  gave  him  one,  assuring  him  that  as  long  as  he 
was  willing  to  travel  on  the  Gospel  field  he  should  never  want 
for  a  horse.  He  gratefully  accepted  it  as  from  God.  At  the  Con- 
ference of  1837  he  was  sent  to  Crawford  Circuit  with  Peter  Goetz 
as  colleague.  The  work  was  extensive,  yet  more  new  appointments 
were  taken  up,  which  was  one  of  Schafer's  characteristics.  It 
took  six  weeks  to  make  a  round,  preaching  daily.  Roads  were  very 
bad  and  streams  unbridged ;  studying  was  done  in  the  saddle ; 
homes  mostly  with  one  room,  affording  no  privacy.  Before  har- 
vest they  were  almost  compelled  to  quit  work,  owing  to  the  scarcity 
of  breadstuffs  and  provender.  Their  horses  had  to  live  on  grass, 
and  had  little  time  to  graze.  The  horses  became  so  poor  that  they 
could  scarcely  travel.  But  a  bounteous  harvest  followed,  discour- 
agements vanished,  and  the  Lord's  work  prospered.    There  was  al- 

267 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

most  a  universal  spirit  of  revival  awakened,  resulting  in  a  great 
ingathering  of  souls.  This  field  was  so  extended  that  two  "double- 
handed"  circuits  were  made  of  it.  His  family  remained  well  and 
prospered,  which  greatly  encouraged  him. 

In  the  spring  of  1838  he  was  assigned  to  Mansfield  Circuit, 
with  H.  Longbrake  and  Jos,  Hummel  as  colleagues.  Soon  their 
field  became  so  enlarged  that  they  could  not  work  it  adequately. 
The  Presiding  Elder,  Samuel  Baumgartner,  made  two  circuits  out 
of  it,  calling  the  eastern  end  Wayne  Circuit,  to  which  Schafer  was 
sent  with  Hummel,  who,  after  three  months,  became  reprobate 
and  was  expelled.  This  left  S,  all  alone  till  near  Conference  time, 
when  he  received  a  young  helper  in  Abr,  Niebel,  with  20  ap- 
pointments, which  he  filled  every  two  weeks.  In  Liverpool,  Medina 
Co.,  he  had  a  great  revival,  in  which  G,  F.  Benner  and  J,  G.  Wol- 
pert  were  converted,  who  later  became  prominent  ministers  in  the 
Evangelical  Association,  J,  J,  Kopp  said  of  Schafer:  "On  a  cold 
winter's  day  he  traveled  30  miles  to  fill  his  appointment  here.  He 
arrived  late  in  the  evening.  There  were  already  quite  a  num- 
ber of  people  present.  As  there  was  no  bedroom  where  he  could 
go  into  secret  prayer,  he  went  out  after  he  laid  aside  his  outer  gar- 
ments, as  cold  as  he  was,  into  a  field  of  snow  for  prayer.  The 
thought  that  he  should  pray  for  them  in  the  cold  snow  so  impressed 
the  people  that  they  began  to  weep.  That  night  the  power  of  God 
was  manifest,  and  a  goodly  number  of  souls  were  saved," 

In  the  spring  of  1839  the  Conference  met  for  the  first  time 
in  a  new  church  building  in  Greensburg,  Stark  Co,,  Ohio,  instead 
of  in  a  private  house.  Bro,  S.  was  ordained  elder.  To  him  this 
was  a  very  solemn  rite,  and  an  incentive  to  a  more  earnest  conse- 
cration for  work.  He  was  sent  to  Lancaster  Circuit  with  C.  Au- 
genstein.  This  field  took  in  his  home,  for  which  he  was  grateful  to 
the  brethren.  At  this  time  all  ordained  elders  were  allowed  to  at- 
tend the  General  Conference,  which  this  year  convened  at  Mill- 
heim.  Center  Co.,  Pa.  Schafer  attended.  He  said  of  this  trip: 
"This  journey  over  mountain  and  valley  on  horseback  was  very 
difficult  and  tiresome  for  man  and  horse,  but  it  was  the  most  con- 
venient method  of  traveling,  for  of  buggy-riding  little  was  known 
by  Evangelical  preachers,  and  less  yet  of  railroad  travel."  At  this 
General  Conference  (his  first)  he  formed  the  acquaintance  of 
many  of  the  best  and  strongest  men  of  the  church.  While  sitting 
in  their  midst  he  said  to  himself:  "How  glad  I  am  to  find  myself 
in  company  with  such  men  of  God.  I  would  not  have  forfeited 
this  privilege  for  the  whole  world."    Of  special  interest  to  him  was 

268 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

the  election  of  John  Seybert  as  Bishop,  who  was  almost  unani- 
mously elected  as  the  first  Bishop  of  the  Evangelical  Association. 
Returning  home  he  found  his  colleague  hard  at  work.  The  Balti- 
more Circuit  was  attached  to  their  field,  Rev.  Lutz  of  the  Baltimore 
field  having  been  sent  as  missionary  to  Illinois.  This  gave  them 
superabundance  of  work.  The  veteran  John  Dreisbach  volun- 
teered to  help  them,  which  greatly  pleased  S.,  but  D.  soon  had  to 
retire,  due  to  physical  disability.  J.  G.  Zinser,  P.  E.,  sent  them 
John  Schafer,  a  brother  to  A.  B.  S. 

In  1840  he  was  sent  to  Miami  Circuit  with  Levi  Heiss,  with 
instruction  to  give  Dayton,  Ohio,  special  attention.  This  circuit 
extended  into  fifteen  counties  in  south-western  Ohio  and  eastern 
Indiana.  His  colleague  often  failed  to  meet  his  appointments, 
and  hence  Schafer's  were  not  announced.  This  fact  made  him 
much  additional  labor,  but  he  managed  to  preach  once  in  three 
weeks  in  Dayton,  and  once  in  six  weeks  at  the  other  points.  His 
eflfort  in  Dayton  resulted  in  the  organization  of  a  class  of  21  mem- 
bers in  the  spring  of  1841. 

In  1841  the  Conference  divided  Miami  Circuit.  The  part  ly- 
ing in  Ohio  was  given  to  Schafer,  with  John  Nicolai  as  colleague. 
They  arranged  to  preach  in  Dayton  alternately  once  a  week.  At 
the  end  of  this  Conference  year  the  class  numbered  30  members. 
In  1842  Schafer  was  again  sent  to  Lancaster  Circuit,  which  now 
was  much  smaller,  bringing  him  the  more  often  home  to  his  fam- 
ily, relatives  and  former  associates.  This  caused  him  great  con- 
cern, remembering  that  "a  prophet  is  not  without  honor  save  in 
his  own  country."  But  the  year's  work  was  successful.  In  1843 
he  was  sent  as  missionary  to  Dayton.  Steps  were  now  taken  to  build 
a  church.  Services  were  meanwhile  held  in  a  room  of  the  old 
"City  Seminary."  By  collecting  on  adjoining  fields  he  secured 
enough  money  to  begin  a  church  building  in  June,  and  was  ready 
for  dedication  on  the  first  Sunday  of  Sept.,  1843.  From  this  time 
on  the  work  prospered  with  frequent  conversions.  A  flourishing 
Sunday-school  was  brought  into  being.  Also  catechetical  instruc- 
tion was  given,  and  a  German  week-day  school  was  held  in  the 
church,  and  through  the  pupils  gained  access  to  many  parents.  In 
October  of  this  year  he  again  attended  General  Conference  at 
Greensburg,  Ohio,  this  time  as  an  elected  delegate.  He  was  ap- 
pointed as  its  secretary.  The  Illinois  Conference  was  formed  by 
General  Conference  act,  detaching  the  State  of  Indiana  and  Illi- 
nois. In  1844,  at  the  Ohio  Conference  session,  the  Illinois  Confer- 
ence was  formally  organized,  and  Schafer  was  elected  Presiding 
Elder  and  assigned  to  the  Indiana  District,  with  this  understand- 

269 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ing,  that  if  he  desired,  after  four  years  of  service,  he  might  again 
return  to  the  Ohio  Conference. 

He  now,  for  the  first  time,  moved  his  family,  choosing  for 
their  home  E.  Germantown,  Ind.  His  district  embraced  the  entire 
State  of  Indiana,  and  before  his  term  closed  extended  from  Defi- 
ance, Ohio,  south-west  to  Mt.  Carmel,  Illinois.  The  fields  were 
4  to  6  days'  travel  apart ;  entertainment  was  very  poor,  roads  bad, 
and  traveling  all  by  horseback.  Thus  he  experienced  great  ex- 
posure, deprivations  and  fatigue,  but  all  for  Christ's  and  the 
church's  sake.  In  1847  he  was  elected  delegate  to  General  Con- 
ference, held  in  New  Berlin,  Pa.  In  1848  he  concluded  to  remain 
a  year  or  two  longer  in  the  Illinois  Conference  on  account  of  the 
lack  of  men.  He  was  re-elected  Presiding  Elder.  The  Indiana 
District  having  been  divided,  he  was  assigned  to  the  Wabash  Dis- 
trict. He  felt  greatly  relieved  in  having  a  smaller  district.  But 
the  next  year  Augenstein  resigned  as  Presiding  Elder,  so  Schafer 
was  again  obliged,  by  Conference  act,  to  serve  the  original  In- 
diana District.  After  another  year's  service  on  this  vast  field  he 
resigned  at  the  Conference  session  of  1849,  and  returned  to  the 
Ohio  Conference,  taking  charge  of  Dayton,  which  was  assigned 
to  him  by  the  Ohio  Conference.  Here,  for  the  first  time,  they 
were  permitted  to  live  in  a  "parsonage" !  It  was  six  years  since 
he  left  Dayton,  and  he  found  many  changes.  The  first  church 
had  been  transformed  into  a  parsonage,  and  there  was  a  new  church 
under  construction  on  the  front  end  of  the  lot,  on  which  the  par- 
sonage stood.  The  basement  was  finished,  where  preaching  serv- 
ices and  Sunday-school  could  be  conveniently  held.  Schafer,  with 
his  officers,  labored  hard  to  complete  the  church  during  the  year, 
but  did  not  quite  succeed. 

Rev.  D.  S.  Oakes  has  the  following  to  say  of  Schafer  as  a 
man :  "He  was  a  wise  counselor,  faithful  friend,  devoted  Chris- 
tian, a  typical  Evangelical  preacher  and  staunchly  loyal  to  the 
church.  He  was  a  sympathizer  with  others,  comforting  and  en- 
couraging them.  To  a  Presiding  Elder  succeeding  him,  he  wrote 
concerning  hardships,  bad  roads,  etc.,  etc.,  'When  you  get  into  such 
places,  think  that  Schafer  has  been  there  too.'  Writing  to  a  young 
preacher,  in  1863,  who  had  a  very  large  circuit,  by  way  of  counsel 
and  cheer,  he  said,  'Remember,  you  will  not  always  have  to  travel 
circuits.'  He  had  a  fine  intellect,  acute  perspective  and  clear,  con- 
structive faculties,  and  a  retentive  memory.  He  was  careful  to 
a  fault,  precise  and  methodical  in  keeping  his  accounts,  dates,  etc., 
and  very  punctual.  He  was  about  5  ft.  and  9  in.  high,  broad- 
shouldered,  deep-chested  and  muscular.     He  was  bald,  but  wore 

270 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

a  wig  which  seemed  so  natural  that  few  suspected  his  artificial 
covering.  His  forehead  was  broad  and  high,  his  eyes  mild  and 
keen,  his  nose  prominent,  his  countenance  open  and  frank,  his 
appearance  impressive,  and  his  entire  mien  marked  him  as  a  leader 
among  men." 

His  pulpit  demeanor  and  address  were  imposing  and  authori- 
tative, without  haughtiness  or  assumption.  His  preaching  was 
generally  clear,  Scriptural,  unctuous,  convincing,  and  ''in  the  power 
and  demonstration  of  the  Spirit."  Sometimes  he  was  eloquent  and 
almost  overwhelming.  He  was  a  good  expositor,  free  from  vagaries 
and  hobbies.  When  his  mental  and  physical  powers  began  to 
lessen  on  account  of  infirmities  he  sometimes  would  fail  in  his  pul- 
pit efforts,  which  greatly  mortified  him.  He  had  good  command 
of  both  English  and  German,  his  voice  was  clear  and  resonant, 
and,  on  the  whole,  he  was  far  more  than  an  ordinary  man.  The 
Indiana  Conference  owes  much  to  him  for  his  faithful,  self-sacri- 
ficing pioneer  work.  He  instigated,  planned  and  dedicated  more 
churches  in  our  Conference  than  any  one  man. 


ADAM  R.   SCHAFER    (1831-1885) 

This  man  of  God  was  born  in  Lacock  Township,  Lancaster 
Co.,  Pa.,  Oct.  4th,  1831,  and  fell  asleep  in  Jesus,  Decatur,  Indiana, 
April  15,  '85.  When  but  13  years  old  he  was  thrown  upon  the 
cold  world,  an  orphan  among  strangers,  which  necessarily  circum- 
scribed him  in  every  way,  and  not  least  in  the  securing  of  a  suit- 
able school  training.  His  boyhood  days  were  spent  upon  the 
farm,  where  he  proved  himself  industrious  and  frugal.  When  19 
years  of  age  he  removed  to  Ohio,  near  New  Berlin,  and  continued 
farming.  Jan.,  1854,  he  entered  into  marriage  with  Catherine 
Ream,  and  removed  to  near  Greensberg,  Summit  Co.,  Ohio.  It  was 
here,  in  '54,  under  the  gracious  influence  of  the  Gospel,  that  he 
espoused  the  cause  of  Christ,  being  soundly  converted  to  God.  He 
first  united  with  the  German  Reformed  Church,  but,  later,  both  he 
and  his  wife  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in  which 
he  served  as  class-leader  for  six  years. 

HIS   REMOVAL   TO    INDIANA    AND    WORK    IN    THE    CHURCH 

In  March,  1855,  they  moved  in  the  Salem  Church  neighbor- 
hood in  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind,,  and  there  joined  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation, as  there  was  no  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  there.  Here 
he  proved  himself  a  true  and  loyal  member,  and  soon  was  hon- 
ored with  the  class  leadership  and  superintendency  of  the  Sunday- 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

school.  From  his  spiritual  birth  on  he  was  an  earnest  and  faith- 
ful worker,  proving  himself  worthy  of  confidence  and  responsibili- 
ty, and  developed  his  best  talents  for  his  subsequent  life  as  a 
preacher. 

HIS  CALL  TO  PREACH  AND  MINISTERIAL  WORK 

Repeatedly  he  heard  the  call  of  God  to  preach,  but,  owing  to  his 
limited  education,  he  hesitated,  but  finally,  as  the  call  became  more 
persistent,  he  yielded  and  fully  consecrated  himself  to  the  min- 
istry. In  the  fall  of  1870  the  Salem  class  recommended  him  to  the 
Annual  Conference,  being  also  endorsed  in  this  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference.  In  Sept.,  1871,  he  was  licensed  by  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference as  preacher  on  probation,  and  with  S.  Kiplinger  was  as- 
signed to  South  Bend  Circuit.  In  the  spring  of  1872,  H.  L.  Fisher, 
his  Presiding  Elder,  transferred  him  to  Elkhart  Circuit  to  assist 
Jos.  Fisher  and  Wm,  Wildermuth.  In  Sept.,  1872,  he  was  sent 
with  Adam  Hartzler  to  DeKalb  charge.  From  1873-5  he  served 
Twin  Lakes  Circuit.  From  1875-7,  Noblesville  Circuit.  From 
1877-9,  New  Paris  Circuit.  From  1879-81,  Edgerton  Circuit. 
From  1881-4,  Waterloo  Circuit.  In  1884  he  was  assigned  to  Deca- 
tur Mission.  At  the  Conference  held  in  Dayton,  April  3,  1885,  he 
was  assigned  to  Mishawaka  charge.  On  Monday,  the  5th,  he  re- 
turned home  well  and  happy,  ready  to  pack  up  and  move  to  his 
new  field.  On  Wednesday  night  he  began  to  complain  of  pains  in 
his  right  arm  and  side.  On  Thursday  he  told  his  family  that  he 
was  sick,  saying,  however,  not  to  be  worried,  that  it  will  all  come 
right  again.  But  instead  he  grew  worse,  until,  a  week  later,  he 
died. 

He  was  cut  down  in  the  vigor  of  his  life,  when  yet  a  goodly 
number  of  years  might  have  been  given  to  the  Gospel  ministry. 
But  God  willed  it  otherwise.  The  loss  to  the  family  and  to  the 
Conference  was  his  gain.  He  was  survived  by  his  wife  and  five 
children.  His  body  was  entombed  in  the  cemetery  close  by  the  Sa- 
lem Church,  which  was  their  church  home  prior  to  entering  the 
ministry.  D.  S.  Oakes,  P.  E.,  had  charge  of  the  obsequies;  the 
brethren  A.  Geist,  M.  Krueger,  D.  Martz,  I.  B.  Fisher,  G.  Hoch- 
stedtler,  J.  E.  Stoops,  J.  M.  Dustman  and  R.  Riegel  participated. 

He  was  ordained  deacon  in  Sept.,  '74,  and  elder  in  '76.  "As 
a  minister  he  was  earnest,  loyal  and  faithful  to  his  trust.  He  was 
not  a  sensational  preacher,  nor  a  revivalist,  but,  rather,  a  clear, 
constructive  and  systematic  teacher  of  the  Word.  He  was  above 
the  average  in  his  preaching,  sometimes  sublimely  eloquent.  It 
was  no  uncommon  thing  for  his  ministerial  brethren  to  say,  after 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

he  was  through  preaching,  'Brother  Schafer  preached  like  a 
Bishop.'  He  was  held  in  the  high  esteem  of  the  Conference.  He 
died  at  his  post." 


CHARLES  SCHAMO    (1824-1911) 

This  brother  was  born  in  Lebanon,  Pa.,  April  5,  1824,  and  died 
in  Hicksville,  0.,  June  26,  1911.  His  body  was  interred  in  this 
place.  At  the  age  of  27  years  he  was  converted  in  Pennsylvania, 
In  '47  he  was  married  to  Rachel  Tobias.  Four  children  were  born 
to  them.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  Sept.,  '63.  His  wife  died 
July  12,  1864,  leaving  him  with  2  children.  This  greatly  dis- 
heartened him.  and  he  thought  of  quitting  the  ministry  and  find 
a  home  for  his  children.  At  the  suggestion  of  his  brethren  he 
married  Mrs.  Rebecca  Wyant,  Oct.  1,  1864,  his  wife's  sister,  who 
was  then  a  widow  having  some  children  but  no  home.  This  gave 
the  children  a  home.  To  them  5  children  were  born,  3  of  whom 
died  in  infancy.  He  was  ordained  as  deacon  Sept.,  1865,  and  as 
elder  in  '68. 

EVENTS   THAT   LED   TO   HIS   CONVERSION 

Bro.  Schamo  was  reared  under  irreligious  influences.  He  be- 
came wild  and  lived  a  reckless  life  as  a  young  man,  and  although 
he  was  given  to  great  profanity,  he  never  contracted  the  habit  of 
drinking.  In  his  youth  he  was  a  canal-boat  driver.  This  was  a 
rough  life  and  was  conducive  to  grave  evils.  He  drove  canal-boats 
between  Philadelphia  and  Harrisburg.  One  day,  while  riding  a 
mule,  he  was  thrown  in  the  canal  having  a  depth  of  30  ft.  of  water, 
and  came  near  drowning,  but,  being  a  good  swimmer,  he  managed 
to  save  himself.  All  his  sins  and  wickedness  loomed  up  before  him. 
and  he  saw  what  an  ungodly  life  he  was  living.  From  this  time 
on  he  began  to  consider  his  soul's  welfare. 

Another  incident  occurred  in  his  experience  as  a  boat-driver 
which  nearly  cost  him  his  life.  The  cook  of  the  boat  by  mistake 
put  rat-poison  into  the  biscuit-dough  in  place  of  soda.  A  number  of 
men  died  from  eating  the  biscuits.  Schamo  became  very  ill  also, 
and  he  said,  "I  would  not  have  minded  to  have  died  if  I  had  been 
saved."  Drinking  a  lot  of  sweet  milk  saved  his  life.  He  also  was 
a  great  dancer  in  his  youth,  even  hiring  out  to  dance  for  money  to 
satisfy  the  carnal  pleasures  of  others.  But  at  a  certain  revival 
meeting,  held  near  Lebanon  by  a  minister  of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation, he  was  seized  with  great  conviction  and  resolved  to  live  a 
better  life.     He  told  his  chums,  about  10  of  them,  that  he  was  go- 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ing-  to  the  altar.  They  laughed  at  the  idea,  but  he  arose  to  his 
feet,  and,  as  he  left  them,  said,  "Good-bye,  boys,  I  am  going."  He 
did  so,  and  on  the  second  night  he  was  wonderfully  converted  deep 
into  eternal  life,  affecting  a  great  change  in  his  life.  He  united 
with  the  Evangelical  Association. 

HIS  CHRISTIAN  ACTIVITY  AND  CALL  TO  PREACH 

At  once  he  became  active  in  the  service  of  God,  and  soon  he 
felt  the  call  of  God  to  preach  the  Word.  But,  having  a  very  lim- 
ited education,  he  declined  the  call.  He,  however,  remained  active 
in  the  church  and  for  God.  Wherever  he  went  he  hunted  up  the 
people  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  About  this  time  he  went  to 
Reading,  Pa.,  and  became  a  member  there,  following  the  trade  of 
a  shoe-maker.  He  was  later  elected  class-leader,  in  which  office  he 
served  for  some  years.  In  '49  he  moved  with  his  family  to  Day- 
ton, 0.,  where  he  continued  his  trade,  and  later  on  moved  to  Green- 
ville, 0.  Here  he  had  many  misfortunes  and  reverses  in  his  busi- 
ness and  domestic  affairs.  His  wife  was  ill  much  of  the  time ; 
nothing  seemed  to  go  right.  God's  favor  was  not  upon  him.  All  the 
while  he  felt  that  he  should  preach,  but  kept  refusing  on  account 
of  his  meager  education.  Finally  he  moved  on  a  10-acre  farm  near 
Greenville,  but  here  he  did  not  prosper  either.  His  wife  kept  fail- 
ing. She  urged  him  repeatedly  to  yield  to  the  call  of  God,  believ- 
ing that  His  displeasure  was  upon  them  because  of  his  refusing  to 
preach.  Finally,  after  resisting  the  call  for  18  years,  he  yielded. 
The  Indiana  Conference  licensed  him  in  '63,  and  he  was  assigned  to 
DeKalb  Circuit.    While  on  this  field  his  noble  wife  died. 

When  the  Civil  War  broke  out  he  was  drafted  to  enter  army 
life,  but  on  account  of  decided  asthmatic  tendencies  he  was  re- 
leased from  doing  duty.  He  served  on  the  following  fields :  De- 
Kalb, '63-4;  Cicero,  '64-5;  E.  Germantown,  '65-7;  Vandalia,  111., 
'67-9;  Fulton,  '69-71;  Greenville,  '71-3,  and  Edgerton,  '73-4.  In 
•all,  11  years.  In  Sept.,  '74,  he  located  and  moved  to  Hicksville, 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  until  death.  Here  again  he  took  up  his 
old  trade  and  made  a  good  living.  In  '80  he  voluntarily  surren- 
dered his  license. 

He  was  one  of  the  early  pioneers  and  endured  hardships  as  a 
good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ.  He  always  took  a  deep  interest  in 
Sunday-school  work  and  delighted  to  work  with  children  even  in 
old  age.  He  preached  both  in  German  and  English,  although  the 
latter  dragged  heavily  for  him.  His  preaching  was  mostly  text- 
ual and  exhortative.  He  had  a  loud  and  deep  voice,  and  preached 
with  considerable  enthusiasm  and  unction.     He  laid  great  empha- 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

sis  on  genuine  conversion,  and  led  many  to  Christ.  But  he  was 
not  without  weakness.  While  on  E.  Germantown  work  it  was  de- 
cided to  hold  a  Sunday-school  picnic.  Just  about  the  time  to  go 
the  young  people  decided  to  have  drum,  fife  and  a  United  States 
flag.  This  incensed  the  older  members,  Schamo  included.  The 
opposition  almost  caused  a  rupture  in  the  society. 

C.  H.  Hartman,  P.  C,  with  other  brethren,  officiated  at  his 
obsequies. 


GEO.  SCHMOLL  (1830-1908) 

Bro.  Schmoll  entered  this  life  in  Prussia,  Germany,  Dec.  7, 
1830,  and  passed  out  June  5,  1908.  He  was  buried  in  Woodland 
Cemetery  at  Dayton,  Ohio,  beside  his  wife,  Premelia  Rean.  They 
were  married  in  Marshall,  111.,  and  had  5  sons  and  one  daughter 
born  to  them.  At  the  age  of  14  years,  when  he  had  ended  his 
school  work,  he  immigrated  to  America.  He  landed  in  New  York 
City,  where  he  tarried  a  while.  Then  he  ventured  west  to  Mar- 
shall, 111.  Here  he  became  an  apprentice  in  blacksmithing,  and 
after  he  had  learned  the  trade,  followed  it  until  he  entered  the 
ministry. 

HIS  CONVERSION  AND  CALL  TO   PREACH 

It  was  at  Marshall  where  he  became  acquainted  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  and  attended  her  services.  He  soon  becamiC 
convicted  of  his  sins,  repented  and  found  Christ  precious  to  his 
soul.  He  also  now  joined  the  Evangelical  Association  and  became 
active  in  religious  work,  making  commendable  progress.  After 
a  while  he  became  fully  conscious  of  a  call  to  the  ministry,  and 
yielded.  From  the  Marshall  class  he  received  his  recommenda- 
tion to  preach.  At  the  Indiana  Conference,  Sept.,  1861,  having 
been  previously  licensed  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  as  preacher 
on  probation,  he  was  received  into  the  itinerancy. 

THE  FIELDS   HE  SERVED 

1861-2,  Mt.  Carmel  Circuit  and  Carmi  Mission,  with  John 
Hoffman.  1862-3,  Vandalia  Mission  in  Montgomery  Co.,  O.  1863- 
4,  Olney  Circuit.  1864-5,  Richmond  Mission.  1865-6,  Montgomery 
Circuit,  with  J.  C.  Shuh  as  assistant.  1866-7,  Cincinnati  Mission. 
During  this  time  he  was  also  collector  for  our  church  property  in 
this  city.  He  was  quite  successful  in  this  work,  raising  over 
$3,000.  1867-9,  Marshall  Mission.  1869-70,  Huntingburg  Sta- 
tion.     1870-1,    Rockport    Mission.      1871-75,    he    located.      1875- 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

6,  he  served  Brazil.  1876,  to  Sept.,  78,  Bunker  Hill  Circuit.  1878- 
80,  Julietta  Mission.  1880-1,  Wabash  Mission.  1881-3,  Laporte 
Mission.  He  was  the  last  missionary  in  this  place.  1883-6,  Wabash 
Mission.  1886-9,  Winchester  and  Greenville.  1889-91,  Montgom- 
ery Circuit  again.  1891-4,  Ft.  Wayne  Mission.  1894-5,  Hunting- 
burg,     1895  he  located.    In  all  he  traveled  30  years. 

Bro.  Schmoll  had  many  hardships  and  conflicts  to  endure  with 
his  much  afflicted  family.  He  was  moved  quite  often,  which,  in  it- 
self, made  the  ministerial  life  burdensome.  He  was  not  a  very 
fluent  speaker,  but  sound  in  doctrine  and  unctuous  in  his  preach- 
ing. His  labors  for  God  were  not  fruitless.  He  had  average  suc- 
cess in  winning  souls  for  Christ,  but  had  special  success  in  Wabash. 
He  lived  a  good  and  consistent  life  in  and  out  of  the  church.  He 
was  devoted  to  his  work,  loyal  to  the  church,  and  faithful  to  God. 
He  was  cheerful  and  amiable  in  spite  of  frequent  affliction  in  the 
home,  and  was  esteemed  by  the  brethren. 

Several  times  his  horses  ran  away  with  him  in  the  buggy,  but 
he  never  was  seriously  hurt.  In  Clay  County,  Ind.,  trying  to  ford  a 
swollen  creek,  he  came  nearly  being  drowned  by  the  raging  cur- 
rent. After  locating  he  moved  to  Dayton,  Ohio,  where  they  bought 
a  small  home  and  spent  the  rest  of  their  days  often  in  great  need, 
receiving  annually  some  help  from  Conference.  He  died  June  5th, 
1908,  in  the  triumphs  of  the  faith.  J.  H.  Evans,  his  pastor,  offi- 
ciated at  his  funeral,  with  G.  B.  Kimmel,  F.  Schweitzer,  John  Hoff- 
man and  John  Kaufman  assisting. 


FRED.  SCHUERMAN 

The  date  and  place  of  his  birth  could  not  be  ascertained,  neither 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Illinois 
Conference,  June,  1850,  and  was  sent  to  Freeport  Mission.  In 
1851  he  was  sent  to  Dubois  Circuit  with  F.  Wiethaup.  When  the 
Indiana  Conference  was  organized  in  1852  he  became  a  charter 
member,  and,  with  A.  Nicolai,  was  assigned  to  St.  Mary's  Circuit. 
In  1853  he  was  appointed  to  Fulton  Circuit  and  Huntington  Mis- 
sion under  Peter  Goetz.  In  1854,  on  account  of  bodily  infirmities, 
he  located.  In  1855  his  probation  as  a  preacher  was  retained,  hav- 
ing ruefully  confessed  his  former  errors  to  Conference,  for  which 
his  ordination  was  withheld.  But  in  1858  he  was  deposed  from 
the  ministry  and  expelled  from  the  church  for  some  misdemeanor. 
Later  he  moved  West,  and  all  traces  of  him  became  lost. 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 
PHILIP   SCHWARTZ    (1819-1863) 

The  time  and  place  of  the  birth  of  this  brother  could  not  be 
ascertained,  nor  facts  concerning  his  boyhood  or  parentage.  He 
was  converted  to  God  about  the  year  '42  on  Lancaster  Circuit, 
Ohio  Conference,  at  which  time  he  also  united  with  the  Evan- 
gelical Association.  He  remained  faithful  to  God  and  the  interests 
of  the  church  to  the  end,  and  was  regarded  by  those  about  him 
as  a  truly  pious  man.  In  '46  he  heard  the  call  of  God  to  the  minis- 
try, and,  applying  for  license,  was  accepted  as  a  preacher  on  pro- 
bation by  the  Ohio  Conference.  He  faithfully  served  in  that  Con- 
ference until  '58,  when  he  united  with  the  Indiana  Conference,  and 
labored  with  blessed  results  until  death  released  him  near  La- 
fayette, Ind.,  '63.  He  bore  his  great  affliction  with  excellent 
Christian  fortitude  and  trust  in  God.  He  was  isolated  from  the 
ministerial  brethren  during  his  affliction,  which  greatly  increased 
his  sufferings.  He  often  expressed  a  desire  to  be  soon  released 
from  his  suffering  and  be  at  rest  with  Christ.  His  desire  was 
granted,  and  he  departed  in  great  peace  at  the  age  of  45  years. 
The  Conference  collected  a  sum  of  money  and  placed  a  suitable 
tombstone  on  his  grave.  The  Conference  lost  in  himi  a  useful 
and  devoted  servant  and  the  family  a  kind  father.  He  was  sur- 
vived by  a  wife  and  a  number  of  small  children. 

He  was  ordained  deacon  in  '53,  and  elder  in  '55.  He  served 
12  years  in  the  Ohio  Conference,  and  in  the  Indiana  Conference 
on  the  following  fields:  '58,  Miami  Circuit,  which  covered  Darke, 
Montgomerj^  and  Preble  Counties  in  Ohio,  and  extended  over  into 
Randolph  Co.,  in  Indiana.  In  '59  he  served  this  same  field,  which 
was  now  called  Greenville  Circuit.  In  '60-61  he  served  Huntington 
Mission,  and  in  '62,  Wabash  Mission,  around  Lafayette,  Indiana, 
where  his  earthly  activities  closed. 


FREDERICK  GEORGE   SCHWEITZER    (1842-1911) 

This  true  servant  of  God  w^as  born  Pfromdorf,  Oberamt  Tue- 
bingen,  Wuerttemberg,  Germany,  July  29th,  1842.  "His  parents," 
he  writes,  ''were  honest  citizens,  in  moderate  circumstances,  in- 
dustrious and  God-fearing."  His  father,  a  blacksmith,  died  in  his 
42nd  year,  leaving  a  widow  with  four  children.  Fred  was  not  yet 
13  years  of  age,  and  was  the  oldest  of  the  four.  His  mother  wept 
and  prayed  much,  and,  although  only  36  years  of  age,  decided  to 
remain  a  widow.     To  her  best  ability  she  reared  her  children  in 

277 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


FREDERICK  GEORGE  SCHWEITZER 


the  fear  of  God,  "the  Lord  fulfilling  His  promise  to  be  a  husband 
to  the  widow  and  father  to  the  fatherless." 

Frederick  enjoyed  the  usual 
school  privileges  from  0  years  to 
the  age  of  14,  after  which  he  as- 
sisted the  mother  in  providing  for 
the  family.  He  was  also  confirmed 
and  admitted  as  a  member  to  the 
Lutheran  Church  (1856).  In  1866 
he  immigrated  to  America,  arriv- 
ing in  good  health  at  Keeler,  Michi- 
gan, June  27th,  where  his  mater- 
nal aunt  and  uncles  were  located. 
His  aunt  now  became  a  veritable 
mother  to  him,  and  ere  long  he 
found  his  way  to  Christ. 

His  relatives  had  already  been 
converted  and  were  members  of  the 
Evangelical  Church.  One  of  his 
uncles  was  the  class-leader,  Wm. 
Speck  the  pastor.  His  uncles  gave 
themselves  to  earnest  prayer  on  his 
behalf,  and  soon  the  Spirit  of  God  was  working  mightily  in  his 
heart,  and,  finally,  after  a  severe  struggle,  conquered.  Being  well 
versed  in  the  Scriptures  and  apt  to  teach,  he  was  besought  by  a 
class  of  young  ladies  to  become  their  teacher.  After  much  and 
repeated  urging  he  finally  consented  to  teach  them.  "  But,"  he 
said,  "  it  is  hard  to  chop  wood  when  the  chips  are  flying  into 
your  face,"  and  he  felt  himself  condemned  and  unable  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  class.  At  a  quarterly  meeting  soon  after  this  his 
heart  was  completely  crushed  by  a  sermon  preached  by  the  Pre- 
siding Elder,  A.  Nicolai.  On  Saturday  evening,  January,  1868, 
he  went  8  miles  through  a  heavy  snow-storm  on  foot  to  a  protracted 
meeting  to  Bainbridge,  Michigan.  The  next  morning,  after  a 
severe  soul-struggle,  God  spoke  peace.  It  was  to  him  an  inefface- 
able moment.  Of  this  he  says,  "The  grace  that  was  given  me  was 
immeasurable,  and  I  was  constrained  to  shout,  'Hallelujah.'  "  Im- 
mediately he  felt  the  inner  moving  of  the  Spirit,  urging  him  to 
preach.  A  mighty  conflict  began  in  his  soul,  a  holy  shrinking 
from  the  responsibility,  but,  finally,  he  yielded  himself  with  glad- 
ness to  the  will  of  God. 

Perceiving  the  need  of  a  better  equipment  for  so  great  a  work 
he  went  to  North-Western  College,  located  at  Plainfield.    This  was 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

in  October  of  1868.  Here  he  remained,  pursuing  his  studies  with 
g-reat  success,  for  he  was  an  able  student,  until  June,  1870,  when, 
by  over-taxation  in  study,  together  with  improper  food  and  rest, 
his  health  was  so  greatly  impaired  that  he  had  to  abandon  his 
plan  of  finishing  the  classical  course.  Besides,  his  means  were 
nearly  exhausted,  having  to  rely  wholly  upon  his  own  resources. 

AS   A    MINISTER 

He  served  the  following  fields  in  the  Michigan  Conference 
with  great  success:  Detroit  Mission,  '71,  with  J.  M.  Fuchs;  Ionia 
Mission  in  '72  to  '74.  Here  he  was  left  to  serve  alone,  which  he 
greatly  disliked,  preferring  to  serve  under  an  older  man.  This 
mission  had  five  appointments,  stretching  out  over  65  miles.  Here 
he  endured  extreme  hardships,  going  long  distances  through 
trackless  pine  forests,  with  the  thermometer  registering  15  and 
20  degrees  below  zero.  On  one  of  his  trips  he  would  have  frozen 
to  death  but  for  the  hospitality  of  a  Methodist  family.  He  had  to 
get  out  of  his  sleigh,  time  after  time,  and  with  his  hands  dig  his 
horse  out  of  the  deep  snow-drifts,  and  when,  at  last,  seeing  a 
house,  he  turned  into  the  barnyard,  almost  frozen  stifi",  asking  for 
shelter.  The  gruff  landlord  ordered  him  off  of  the  place,  having 
no  time  nor  room  to  fool  with  "preachers."  Wearily  he  turned 
his  horse  about  and  started  toward  home.  After  having  gone  some 
miles  he  happened  upon  another  house  where  he  found  hospitality 
and  Christianity.  He  was  so  frozen  that  he  could  not  speak  nor 
help  himself,  so  that  he  had  to  be  lifted  from  his  seat  and  carried 
into  the  house.  Only  after  much  attention  did  he  fully  revive. 
This  good  farmer  savs^  him  drive  into  his  barnyard,  and  wondered 
why  he  did  not  dismount.  After  he  sat  there  a  while,  not  mov- 
ing a  single  bit,  the  farmer  feared  him  to  be  dead,  but  when  he 
came  to  him,  found  as  above  described.  He  never  to  the  day  of 
his  death  could  express  his  gratitude  to  this  man  and  his  good 
wife  for  thus  saving  his  life.  From  '75  to  '77  he  served  Lansing, 
a  newly  established  mission,  having  five  appointments,  to  which 
he  added  two  new  ones.  The  circuit  extended  75  miles.  He  opened 
a  new  mission  in  Howell,  where  no  other  Evangelical  preacher  had 
been,  and  where  we  had  no  members.  The  services  at  first  were 
held  in  private  liouses,  later  on  in  a  hall  over  a  fire-station.  It 
was  a  source  of  great  joy  to  him,  in  his  retired  days,  to  see  that 
that  little  beginning  has  finally  grown  into  a  strong  society.  From 
'77  to  '79  he  served  Owosso,  a  prosperous  field,  where  he  was  able 
to  enter  Lhe  home  of  Brother  Kirn.  Here  he  won  Prof.  G.  Kirn, 
Ph.  D.,  now  of  North-Western  College,  and  his  brothers  John  and 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Fred,  all  of  whom  attended  his  catechetical  instruction,  and  later 
entered  the  ministry.  This  has  ever  been  as  a  toothsome  morsel  to 
him.  In  '79-81  he  served  Bay  City  Mission,  which  was,  indeed, 
a  difficult  field,  but  not  without  its  victories. 

On  account  of  the  bitter  cold  winters  and  impaired  health  he 
was  advised  to  seek  a  warmer  climate,  and.  calling  for  his  creden- 
tials, in  1881,  united  v/ith  the  South  Indiana  Conference.  He  was 
stationed  at  Louisville,  Zion  Church,  where  he  labored  three  years 
with  great  blessing.  In  '84  he  was  elected  as  Presiding  Elder  and 
assigned  to  Olney  District,  which  he  served  for  3i ^  years,  the  Con- 
ference changing  from  fall  to  spring.  In  '87-8  he  served  Carmi ; 
'88-90,  Evansville;  '91-92,  Tabor.  When  the  Conference  was  re- 
incorporated with  the  Indiana  Conference,  in  '93,  he  was  assigned 
to  Bremen,  and  after  a  year  to  Indianapolis,  1st  Church,  where 
he  labored  successfully  for  three  years.  In  '97  he  was  stationed 
to  South  Bend,  1st  Church,  and,  in  1900,  to  Terre  Haute,  Indiana. 
Here  he  remodeled  the  church  and  made  other  improvements.  In 
1901  he  was  sent  to  Dayton,  1st  Church,  where,  with  great  bless- 
ings, he  labored  for  four  years.  In  '05  he  was  put  in  charge  of  the 
2nd  Church  at  Indianapolis.  With  great  expectations  did  he  be- 
gin his  work  here.  On  Sunday,  March  11,  1906,  after  he  had 
preached  twice  with  great  blessing,  he  retired  in  apparently  good 
health.  On  Monday  morning,  when  he  awoke,  he  found  himself 
unable  to  arise,  having  been  rendered  helpless  by  a  stroke  of  apo- 
plexy. He  believed  that  he  would  soon  recover  and  be  able  to  con- 
tinue his  work.  The  Conference,  which  convened  a  few  weeks 
later,  granted  the  desire  of  his  parishioners  and  sent  him  back  for 
another  year.  His  strength  only  partially  returned,  so  that  in 
August  he  was  forced  to  lay  down  his  task.  He  moved  to  Dayton, 
Ohio,  where  he  patiently  awaited  the  coming  of  his  Lord.  His 
health  was  sufficiently  improved,  so  that  he  could  attend  the  serv- 
ices of  the  church  and  occasionally  even  preach. 

Reviewing  the  36  years  of  active  service,  he  could  only  see 
the  wonderful  goodness  of  God,  how  that  by  His  grace  he  escaped 
death  at  various  times.  As  to  the  number  of  souls  he  led  to  Christ 
he  modestly  writes :  "On  every  field  I  served  I  had  the  privilege 
of  praying  with  penitent  souls."  After  finishing  a  brief  auto- 
biography he  laid  aside  his  pen,  awaiting  the  summons  of  Him 
who  soon  would  call  him  to  rest.  On  Sunday  morning,  August 
the  6th,  1911,  after  a  long  and  tedious  suffering,  his  Lord  came 
to  receive  His  servant.  He  chose  his  own  funeral  text,  1  Peter 
1 :  3,  4.  B.  Schuermeier,  his  pastor,  had  charge  of  the  funeral. 
S.  H.  Baumgartner,  P.  E.,  preached  the  sermon.     J.  H.  Breish, 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Ph.  Vollmer,  of  the  Reformed  Theological  Seminary,  and  others 
participated  in  the  services.  Interment  was  made  in  the  Wood- 
land Cemetery  at  Dayton.  His  widow,  a  Henrietta  Morganthaler, 
whom  he  married,  March  26,  '74,  and  five  children  survived  him. 

Brother  Schweitzer  was  a  reverent  and  thorough  student  of 
God's  Word  and  a  great  man  of  prayer.  He  was  well  versed  in 
German  literature,  using  a  splendid  language,  and  was  well  ac- 
quainted with  choice  poetry,  which  he  appropriately  wove  into  his 
sermons.  He  was  perfectly  at  home  in  philosophical  works,  which 
had  a  great  tendency  to  make  him  profound  in  his  preaching.  He 
was  never  trivial  in  his  preaching,  but  always  deep  and  Scriptural. 
His  messages  were  expository  in  character,  and  he  abhorred  the 
over-use  of  anecdotes.  His  messages  were  always  edifying  and 
constructive,  which  were  presented  in  an  earnest,  unctuous  and 
tender  manner.  He  disliked  affectation,  sham  and  inconsistent 
and  wild  demonstration,  yet  he  possessed  a  deep,  emotional  nature, 
that  was  as  sensitive  as  that  of  a  child.  He  was  a  great  man  at 
debate,  and  could  successfully  combat  with  the  isms  of  the  day. 
In  all  his  labors  he  was  faithful  and  punctual.  He  was  a  good 
pastor.  Although  he  was  a  man  of  conviction,  and  tenaciously 
clung  to  his  beliefs,  he  was  charitable  toward  others  who  held  op- 
posite views.  In  his  life  he  was  active  and  faithful;  in  death  he 
was  peaceful  and  triumphant. 


GEO.   E.   SPEICHER    (1870-1893) 

This  young  brother  was  born  near  Urbana,  Ind.,  Dec.  3,  1870. 
His  father,  Frederick  Speicher,  was  a  prosperous  farmer,  and  as 
a  true  member  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  reared  his  family 
in  an  atmosphere  of  faith.  George  only  had  a  common  rural 
school  education  and  followed  farming  until  he  entered  the  minis- 
try. At  the  age  of  7  years  he  came  to  Christ  under  the  labors  of 
J.  K.  Troyer,  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  His 
father  was  a  man  who  spent  much  time  in  secret  prayer,  which 
had  a  great  effect  upon  this  lad,  and  which  led  him  early  to  seek 
salvation.  When  he  became  a  young  man  he  felt  the  call  to  preach, 
but  gave  no  heed  to  it,  and,  in  consequence,  lost  measurably  in 
grace.  But  in  a  revival,  held  in  Urbana  by  Wm.  Wildermuth,  in 
1890,  he  was  fully  reclaimed,  and  the  call  to  preach  became  very 
clear  again.  He  told  his  father  he  must  preach.  He  was  then  ad- 
vised to  pray  over  it  and  make  sure.  A  few  nights  later,  in  his 
prayer,  he  asked  God  if  he  would  not  reveal  it  to  him  in  a  dream 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

what  he  should  do.  That  night  he  dreamed  he  was  holding  a  re- 
vival meeting  in  Spikerville,  nep,r  home,  where  the  Lord  was  do- 
ing great  things  for  him.  In  the  morning  he  told  his  father  the 
dream,  and  said,  "Father,  I  don't  think  I  will  go  there  where  they 
all  know  me  so  well."  To  this  his  father  replied  "that  there  it  is 
where  the  Lord  wanted  him  to  go."  He  went  and  began  holding 
the  meeting  in  the  school-house.  The  I^ord  blessed  his  work  gra- 
ciously. The  school-house  becoming  too  small  to  hold  the  crowd, 
the  meeting  was  taken  to  a  hall  where  it  continued  several  weeks, 
resulting  in  60  conversions.  After  this  the  Spikerville  class  was 
organized. 

The  United  Brethren  Church  of  Urbana,  of  which  he  seems 
to  have  been  a  member  at  this  time,  having  been  married  to  Cora 
Hippensteel,  Sept.  8,  1890,  who  was  a  United  Brethren  member, 
at  once,  after  the  above  meeting,  gave  him  a  recommendation  to 
preach.  But  our  people  in  Urbana  presented  his  name  to  the  In- 
diana Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  held  in  April, 
1891,  at  Bremen,  Ind.,  and  licensed  him  as  preacher  on  probation. 
Then  he  was  sent  to  Winchester  Circuit  and  returned  in  1892.  It 
was  in  one  of  his  meetings  at  Emmettsville  that  the  call  to  preach 
the  Gospel  came  unmistakably  clear  to  J.  J.  Wise. 

In  1893  he  was  obliged  to  locate,  caused  by  illness  brought 
on  by  exposure  in  traveling  his  circuit.  He  died  at  Urbana,  Nov. 
3,  1893,  where  he  is  also  buried.  He  was  earnest  and  enthusiastic 
in  his  preaching,  which  was  mostly  evangelistic  in  character.  He 
was  survived  by  wife  and  daughter,  Marie  D.  Martz.  His  Presiding 
Elder  officiated  at  his  funeral. 


IRVIN  SPENCER    (1882-1908) 

This  brother  was  born.  Ft.  Ransom,  North  Dakota,  April  12, 
1882,  and  departed  near  Mishawaka,  Indiana,  1908.  His  body  was 
laid  to  rest  in  the  Mishawaka  Cemetery,  J.  0.  Mosier  and  Fred 
Rausch  officiating  at  the  obsequies. 

His  educational  advantages  M^ere  limited.  For  a  time  he  fol- 
lowed farming,  and,  later,  occupied  the  position  of  a  telegraph 
operator.  This  latter  work  proved  too  confining  and  injurious  to 
his  health,  and  he  had  to  quit  the  same  for  outdoor  work.  He  was 
converted  under  the  labors  of  W.  S.  Tracy  at  Lucerne,  Cass  Co., 
Ind.,  where  he  also  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He 
moved  to  Logansport,  and,  later,  on  to  Mishawaka,  at  which  places 
he  acquitted  himself  nobly  as  a  Christian. 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

His  call  to  preach  became  clear  to  him  while  at  Mishawaka, 
and  from  this  class  he  was  recommended  to  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence, which  licensed  him  in  April,  1906.  North  Liberty  charge 
was  assigned  him,  which  he  served  with  acceptance  for  IV2  years 
where  he  had  some  souls  for  his  hire.  While  in  the  very  prime  of 
his  life  the  messenger  of  death  came  and  called  him  hence. 

He  was  quite  gifted  in  speech  and  in  prayer,  and  gave  prom- 
ise of  a  useful  career  as  a  minister.  He  had  a  strong  intellect,  but 
possessed  a  weak  body,  and  inherited  a  tendency  toward  an  early 
dissolution.  His  preaching  was  earnest,  unctuous  and  edifying. 
He  lived  a  pious  and  conscientious  Christian  life.  He  never 
married. 


MICHAEL  W.   STEFFEY    (1821-1905) 

Synopsis:  Born  in  York  Co.,  Pa.,  April  27,  1821.  Died  July 
25,  1905,  at  Dayton,  O.  Buried  in  the  old  cemetery  at  South  Bend, 
Ind.  Converted  Aug.,  '42.  Married  to  Anna  Fisher,  Oct.  19,  1843, 
in  Pennsylvania.  On  Jan.  1,  '49,  he  received  a  Quarterly  Confer- 
ence license  to  preach  from  the  United  Brethren  Church.  Jan., 
'50,  he  was  received  into  the  Evangelical  Association  at  E.  Ger- 
mantown  as  a  local  preacher.  Received  into  itinerancy  Aug.,  '52. 
Assisted  Peter  Goetz  on  E.  Germantown  Circuit  and  Hamilton 
Mission.  Ordained  deacon  in  '54,  and  as  elder  in  '56.  Represented 
the  Indiana  Conference  9  times  as  delegate  to  General  Conference, 
and  for  the  10th  time  as  a  visitor  he  attended  the  General  Con- 
ference at  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  in  '99.  Served  16  years  as  Presiding 
Elder.  One  term  as  a  member  on  the  Board  of  Publication.  A 
number  of  times  on  the  Board  of  Missions  and  Board  of  Trustees 
of  North-Western  College,  and  filled  other  important  offices  in  the 
church. 

HIS  ANCESTRY  AND  DAYS  OF  YOUTH 

His  ancestors  were  Pennsylvanians.  His  father  was  Lutheran 
and  his  mother  Reformed,  who  were  faithful  and  moral  mem- 
bers, but  totally  ignorant  of  experimental  religion.  Among  the 
Lutherans  and  Reformed  lived  some  people  of  the  Evangelical 
Association  and  United  Brethren  Church. 

There  being  no  free  school,  he  was  sent  to  a  private  school 
during  the  winter  months.  He  had  great  ability  for  learning  and 
an  insatiable  desire  for  knowledge.  He  enjoyed  reading  the  his- 
torical narratives  of  the  Bible  and  all  other  books  he  could  se- 
cure, and  thus  acquired  a  good  fund  of  knowledge. 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

STEPS  THAT  LED  TO  HIS  CONVERSION 

Earh^  in  life  he  was  convicted  of  sin  under  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel  without  knowing  what  it  meant,  nor  how  to  obtain 
a  change  of  heart.  His  pastor  taught  conviction  of  sin,  but  that 
all  sin  could  not  be  taken  away,  that  the  teaching  of  the  pardon 
of  sin  was  false.  Steffey  was  warned  against  ministers  of  the 
Evangelical  Association  and  United  Brethren  Church,  who  did 
some  preaching  here.  "They  were  called  the  devil's  preachers, 
with  hearts  as  black  as  iron  kettles."  Steffey  was  told  if  he  fol- 
lowed them  "they  will  lead  you  to  hell."  He  was  confirmed  in  the 
Lutheran  faith  when  14  years  old.  Through  catechetical  instruc- 
tions he  was  led  to  pray  each  night  before  retiring,  but  having 
been  taught  the  impossibility  of  obtaining  pardon  and  heart  pur- 
ity in  this  life,  he  did  not  seek  this.  He  was  conscience-smitten, 
and  tried  to  live  right,  but  could  not.  He  tried  to  love  God  su- 
premely, but  lacked  power.  When  18  years  old  he  went  to  his 
brother  George  to  learn  the  carpenter  trade.  Here  he  got  into 
ungodly  society.  Conviction  of  sin  was  at  first  blunted,  but  later 
he  gained  fuller  knowledge  of  true  salvation.  He  now  sought  more 
earnestly,  but,  lacking  aid,  again  relapsed  into  apathy.  He  began  at- 
tending Methodist  Episcopal  services  at  Blue  Balls  and  Middle- 
town,  in  Md. ;  here  he  heard  a  powerful  sermon.  An  invitation 
was  extended  to  sinners  to  come  to  the  altar,  but  none  came.  The 
preacher  then  asked  the  members  to  come  forward  for  a  deeper 
work  of  grace.  They  rushed  to  the  altar  and  prayed  as  never  be- 
fore, and  such  a  manifestation  of  God's  power  was  seen  that  con- 
viction strong  and  deep  seized  Steff'ey's  heart.  It  was  a  new  ex- 
perience to  him,  from  which  he  could  not  easily  free  himself. 

Soon  after  this  two  of  his  chums  died  unprepared.  At  the 
funeral  of  the  first  a  heart-searching  sermon  was  preached  that 
deepened  his  conviction.  The  Spirit  spoke,  "If  this  had  been  you, 
where  would  your  soul  be?  Perhaps  you  will  be  next."  He  had  no 
rest,  nor  could  not  free  himself  from  his  sins.  Matters  came  to  a 
climax.  A  friend  of  his,  with  whom  he  spent  many  days  in  sin,  was 
married  and  moved  to  Ohio,  Steffey  wrote  him  a  jocular  letter, 
thinking  it  would  please  him.  At  length  a  serious  reply  came, 
saying  his  wife  found  religion,  and  that  he  was  also  determined 
to  seek  Jesus,  and  pungently  admonished  S.  "if  he  continued  in 
sin,  destruction  would  be  upon  him."  S.  now  determined  "to  seek 
the  Lord,  come  what  will,"  and  prayed  in  secret  so  only  he  and 
God  should  know.  But  at  a  Lutheran  revival  in  Manchester,  Md., 
he  came  to  the  altar,  but  was  not  saved.    On  a  Sunday,  Aug.,  1842, 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

he  stayed  at  home  to  read  the  Bible  and  to  pray.  When  the  fam- 
ily had  gone  to  church  he  went  up-stairs,  opened  the  Bible  and 
read.  Tears  blinded  his  eyes.  He  fell  upon  his  knees,  praying  and 
wrestling  with  God.  Suddenly  peace,  like  a  river,  flooded  his  soul ; 
he  knew  he  had  pardon  and  ran  into  another  room,  filled  with  in- 
expressible joy. 

Great  temptations  now  came.  He  had  been  taught  "that 
Christians  say  nothing  about  being  saved,  only  hypocrites  do."  His 
brother  and  a  fellow-workman  saw  something  unusual  in  him,  and 
said  to  him,  "What  is  the  matter  with  you?"  S.  replied,  "Oh, 
nothing."  This  he  afterward  deeply  regretted.  He  still  held  to  the 
Lutherans,  who  said,  "You  cannot  be  freed  from  sin  in  this  life." 
This  anew  threw  him  into  a  hard  struggle,  silencing  his  joy  and 
robbing  his  peace.  He  now  sought  relief  for  his  soul  by  attending 
a  United  Brethren  meeting  seven  miles  off.  After  the  sermon  he, 
uninvited,  followed  the  minister  to  a  home.  After  a  brief  talk  with 
the  family  the  minister  turned  to  Steffey,  saying,  "Have  you  em- 
braced religion?"  "I  thought  I  had  experienced  a  change  of  heart," 
S.  said,  "but  I  am  not  feeling  as  happy  as  when  first  converted,  and 
I  fear  my  religion  is  lost."  Then  the  minister  explained  "how 
Christians  are  tempted  and  tried,  but  must  cling  to  Christ;  that 
dark  seasons  in  life  are  no  evidence  of  a  lost  religion."  These 
words  greatly  helped  him,  and  went  away  with  joy,  and  did  as  he 
was  told,  and  found  it  true. 

THE  CALL  TO  THE   MINISTRY 

After  marriage  he,  at  first,  lived  with  his  father,  whom  he 
asked  to  allow  the  minister  above  alluded  to,  to  preach  in  his  house. 
Father  refused,  saying,  "What  will  the  neighbors  say?"  So  Stef- 
fey resolved  to  invite  this  preacher  to  preach  in  his  house  as  soon 
as  they  lived  alone,  no  matter  what  the  neighbors  say.  Soon  this 
minister  regularly  preached  at  his  home,  but  he  still  remained  a 
Lutheran.  Rev.  Albert,  a  Lutheran  pastor,  held  a  meeting,  which 
was  "a  time  of  great  power."  On  the  first  night  of  this  meeting 
A.  asked  S.  to  pray.  But  S.  thought  it  impossible  amidst  his  old 
associates,  and  asked  to  be  excused.  But  when  the  meeting  opened 
he  was  called  on  to  pray.  He  asked  divine  help  and  offered  his  first 
public  prayer.  New  trials  came.  He  felt  like  quitting  the  Chris- 
tian service,  but,  having  made  a  public  profession,  and  realizing 
that  giving  up  would  bring  reproach  on  Christ,  he  continued  with 
greater  zeal. 

Rev.  Albert  was  now  dismissed  for  a  less  spiritual  preacher. 
So  Steffey  joined  the  United  Brethren  Church.     Experimental  re- 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ligion  spread  rapidly.  S.  felt  to  do  personal  religious  work.  Often 
while  meditating  on  special  Scriptures  he  imagined  seeing  a  con- 
gregation before  him,  which  he  would  enthusiastically  address. 
One  evening,  at  a  revival,  the  preacher  asked  him  to  close  after 
preaching.  He  refused.  The  preacher  looked  at  him  and  said, 
''Do  you  think  you  can  answer  this  before  God?"  S.  resolved  never 
to  refuse  again. 

In  the  fall  of  1847  he  went  to  work  in  a  paper  mill  in  Mary- 
land against  the  minister's  advice.  A  year  later  his  little  boy  fell 
into  the  mill-race  and  was  drowned.  S.  got  him  out  and  felt  it 
was  due  to  his  disobedience  to  God's  call.  Ere  the  boy  was  buried 
he  promised  God  to  preach.  During  the  winter  of  1848-9  he 
and  Jos.  Fisher  held  prayer-meetings  wherever  they  had  oppor- 
tunity. The  Lord  was  with  them  in  power.  Jan.  1,  1849,  he, 
unsolicited,  received  a  Quarterly  Conference  license  to  preach.  Not 
being  fully  convinced  that  this  action  was  of  the  Lord,  he  agreed 
with  God  to  do  so,  provided  he  gave  him  liberty  on  a  certain  text 
and  fruit  of  his  labors  as  evidence,  which  thing  the  Lord  did,  and 
Steffey's  mind  was  settled, 

HIS  REMOVAL  TO  INDIANA 

In  May,  1849,  he,  with  four  other  families,  moved  to  Indiana. 
He  had  a  one-horse  wagon  for  his  family  and  personal  effects. 
The  journey  lasted  four  weeks.  They  kept  up  their  family  wor- 
ship on  the  way.  Evenings,  where  they  found  lodging,  they  asked 
for  this  privilege  and  were  never  denied,  and  in  the  morning  they 
worshiped  by  the  road-side.  People  passing  by  stopped,  looked  and 
listened,  then  asked,  "Who  are  they?  Whence  came  they,  and 
whither  are  they  going?"  One  landlord  said,  "I  kept  hotel  24 
years  and  lodged  hundreds,  but  these  were  the  first  who  held  fam- 
ily worship."  On  June  1,  1849,  they  reached  their  destination, 
five  miles  south-east  of  Noblesville,  Ind.,  where  they  all  settled. 
Here  they  formed  a  prayer-meeting  class,  with  Mike  Fisher  as 
class-leader.  A  prayer-meeting  was  a  new  thing  here.  As  one 
settler  said,  "They  are  not  in  fashion  here,"  to  which  Steffey  re- 
plied, "We  will  then  make  them  fashionable."  These  meetings 
were  soon  over-crowded. 

LOOKING  FOR   A   PREACHER 

These  new  settlers  now  looked  about  for  a  United  Brethren 
preacher  and  found  one  who  was  a  good  speaker.  They  invited 
him  to  come  and  preach  for  them.  They  gave  him  their  creden- 
tials and  were  then  organized  in  a  United  Brethren  class.     The 

286 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

second  and  third  time  he  came  he  wanted  to  receive  new  mem- 
bers without  previous  conversions,  Steffey  objected,  saying,  "Get 
the  people  converted  first,"  The  third  time  the  preacher  said, 
"He  had  no  time  to  get  the  people  converted."  S.  said,  "In  Penn- 
sylvania preachers  would  not  receive  members  unless  they  were 
converted,"  The  preacher  replied,  "Well,  we  are  in  Indiana  now. 
Here  we  have  so  many  different  denominations  that  we  must  have  a 
big  rake  to  rake  over  all  this  ground,"  Then  said  a  friend  of 
S,,  "Yes,  to  rake  all  the  toads  and  bull-frogs  into  the  church," 

Steffey,  not  being  able  to  preach  in  English,  looked  about  for 
German  people  and  found  a  large  settlement  8  miles  away  and 
agreed  to  preach  for  the  people  in  a  school-house  every  two  weeks 
on  Sunday  morning.  He  soon  had  overflowing  meetings.  He  noti- 
fied his  United  Brethren  preacher  of  these  meetings,  who  replied 
to  Steffey,  "Go  and  organize  a  class."  S,  replied,  "Why,  the  peo- 
ple are  all  unconverted,  and  who  should  be  class-leader?  I  sup- 
pose the  devil,"  To  this  the  preacher  replied,  "It  is  useless  to  labor 
in  German."  S,,  hearing  of  Germans  12  miles  south  in  Geo. 
Kloepfer's  settlement,  went  there,  found  a  warm-hearted  people 
belonging  to  the  Evangelical  Association,  just  like  those  in  Penn- 
sylvania. Their  souls  at  once  were  knit  together,  and  their  hearts 
beat  as  one. 

Steffey,  with  others,  went  to  E.  Germantown,  Ind.,  Jan.,  1850, 
to  attend  a  quarterly  meeting  of  the  Evangelical  Association. 
H.  Ragatz  was  pastor,  A.  B.  Schafer  Presiding  Elder,  and  Bishop 
Jos.  Long  was  present,  who  also  presided.  Schafer  brought  Stef- 
fey and  Jos.  Fisher  to  Quarterly  Conference.  The  Bishop,  eyeing 
them  sharply,  when  Schafer  presented  them  for  membership  in  his 
church,  asked,  "Are  these  of  those  who  run  around  from  one  church 
to  another  and  have  no  abiding  anywhere?"  Schafer  explained 
"that  it  was  the  language  and  Christian  congeniality  that  in- 
duced them  to  seek  the  change."  Thereupon  the  Bishop  said, 
"Very  well,  then,  that  will  do,"  and  received  them  into  the  church 
as  members  and  as  local  preachers. 

STEFFEY    BEGINS   PREACHING 

In  1850  the  Illinois  Conference  established  Hamilton  Mis- 
sion, in  whose  bounds  Steffey  and  Fisher  lived.  S.  now  preached 
nearly  every  Sunday  for  two  years.  During  A.  Nicolai's  pastorate 
he  held  a  meeting  at  Bethlehem,  near  Cicero,  Ind.,  where  he  had 
some  conversions.  Saturday  evening,  at  a  quarterly  meeting,  Cath- 
olic boys  snapped  corn  over  the  audience.  They  were  told  "to  keep 
their  corn,  as  they  likely  will  need  it  at  home."     They  quit.     But 

287 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Sunday  morning,  when  the  people  met  to  celebrate  the  Lord's  Sup- 
per, they  found  that  some  "devil's  satellite"  had  placed  the  rot- 
ting skeleton  of  an  ox  behind  the  preacher's  stand,  and  over  it  had 
hung  to  the  ceiling  a  penned  up  bull-dog,  and  spattered  the  seats 
and  walls  with  rotten  eggs.  The  howling  dog  was  released,  the 
skeleton  was  moved  out  and  the  seats  and  walls  cleaned,  and  Rev. 
Geo.  Blank,  P.  E.,  encouraged  the  friends  to  serve  God,  assuring 
them  that  they  would  get  to  a  place  of  perpetual  sweet-smelling 
savor. 

Bro.  S.  was  urged  during  the  year  of  1851  to  enter  the  active 
ministry.  He  hesitated,  owing  to  impaired  health  and  lack  of  edu- 
cation. In  June,  1852,  Revs.  Dickover  and  Keiper  stopped  with 
him  on  their  way  to  Conference,  and  again  urged  him  to  take 
work.  He  agreed  with  this  proviso,  that  he  be  allowed  time  until 
August  to  arrange  home  affairs.  This  was  done  at  Conference. 
He  was  assigned  to  E.  Germantown  Circuit  and  Hamilton  Mission, 
with  Peter  Goetz  as  preacher-in-charge,  embracing  15  appoint- 
ments from  Marion  and  Hamilton  Counties  east  into  Darke  Co., 
Ohio.  He  had  good  congregations  wherever  he  preached.  Once 
during  this  year  he  was  tempted  to  quit.  But  Chr.  Glaus,  his  Pre- 
siding Elder,  encouraged  him  to  go  on,  saying,  "It  was  only  a 
device  of  Satan." 

In  1853  the  Conference  sent  him  to  Elkhart  Circuit  with 
J.  Keiper  as  preacher-in-charge.  He  moved  his  family  to  Otts 
Settlement,  near  Benton,  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind.,  where  there  was  a 
four-roomed  double  house  for  a  parsonage.  On  their  arrival,  Sat- 
urday evening,  S.  Dickover,  P.  E.,  who  occupied  one  side  of  the 
parsonage,  hospitably  entertained  S.  with  his  family.  Here  Dick- 
over preached  Sunday  morning.  In  closing  the  service  he  intro- 
duced Bro.  S.  as  their  new  pastor  who  would  preach  in  the  even- 
ing. After  dismissal  the  people  left  the  church  without  shaking 
hands  with  him  or  saying  a  word  to  him  or  his  family.  In  the 
evening  S.  preached  as  best  he  could.  Then  the  people  left  again  as 
in  the  morning.  This  greatly  disheartened  him,  and  said  to  D., 
after  getting  home,  "I  cannot  stay  here;  these  people  do  not  want 
me;  they  do  not  speak  to  me."  D.  replied,  "Oh,  these  are  Otts; 
that  is  their  way ;  you  will  fmd  them  all  right  when  you  get  ac- 
quainted with  them."  And  he  did,  for  soon  they  brought  provi- 
sions, goods  for  clothes,  split  wood,  etc.  Thus  his  family  of  5  chil- 
dren was  taken  care  of,  and  at  the  end  of  the  year  he  had  a  little 
money  left  of  his  $73  salary ! 

After  a  few  rounds  Bro.  Keiper  had  to  quit  work  due  to  bron- 
chitis.    This  left  S.  alone,  until  Geo.  Eckhart  was  secured.     The 

288 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

year  was  filled  with  glorious  results.  At  the  session  of  1854  Stef- 
fey  was  returned  to  Elkhart  Circuit,  with  Peter  Goetz  as  colleague. 
S.  disliked  this,  for  G.  was  much  older  in  years  and  in  the  service. 
This  year  a  camp-meeting,  held  at  Otts,  was  greatly  disturbed  by 
a  band  of  rowdies,  led  by  a  Mr.  Lacy.  They  came  with  clubs. 
J.  Fuchs  was  preaching.  S.  succeeded  in  quieting  them  during  the 
service,  but  in  the  night  the  toughs  returned  and  threw  firebrands 
on  tents  and  tried  to  pull  them  down.  Dickover  and  Steifey  were  on 
guard,  but  found  they  were  unable  to  cope  with  the  mob.  They  called 
the  brethren  out  of  bed  to  give  aid.  Armed  with  ropes  and  straps 
they  tried  to  capture  some  rowdies,  but  failed.  A  club,  thrown  at 
S.,  missed  him  and  struck  Geo.  Klein  on  the  forehead,  knocking 
him  senseless.  When  K.  fell  one  of  the  mob  yelled,  "Lacy,  you  hit 
the  wrong  man,"  and  ran  away.  Some  now  thought  of  closing  the 
meeting  at  once.  But  Steff"ey  said,  "No !  Let  us  stand  our  ground 
and  show  the  devil  and  his  followers  that  we  are  not  afraid.  God 
is  with  his  people."  The  meeting  continued  over  another  night 
undisturbed.  Sinners  were  converted  and  God's  people  strength- 
ened. 

The  next  day  D.  and  S.  had  Lacy  arrested  and  arraigned  be- 
fore a  justice  court,  and  L.  had  to  pay  a  fine  and  costs.  This  en- 
raged him.  Soon  after  L.  met  D.  on  the  public  road,  caught  his 
horse,  and  ordered  him  to  dismount,  as  he  wanted  to  give  him  a 
beating.  D.  struck  his  spirited  horse  with  the  whip,  the  horse 
broke  away,  and  D.  escaped.  A  few  days  later  Steff'ey  was  riding 
on  horseback  through  Goshen,  Ind.  He  saw  Lacy  pointing  him 
out  to  his  associates,  and  heard  him  swear  revenge.  After  S.  had 
gone  about  40  yards  he  saw  L.  pursuing  him.  Both  applied  their 
whips  to  their  horses.  L.  gained  on  S.  rapidly.  Just  as  S.  was 
about  to  be  overtaken  he  came  to  a  house,  jumped  from  his  horse, 
threw  the  bridle-rein  over  a  gatepost  and  went  inside  the  yard. 
L.  cursed  and  raved,  but  soon  left.  After  some  waiting  S.  returned 
to  Goshen,  took  a  different  route  to  his  appointment.  Soon  after 
this  L.  was  seen  by  a  farmer  trying  to  steal  a  horse.  Before  the 
authorities  could  apprehend  him  he  escaped  and  left  the  country. 
The  first  year  on  this  circuit  Steffey  began  preaching  in  South 
Bend,  which  was  the  beginning  of  our  work  in  the  city.  This 
field  was  extended  the  second  year  until  there  were  17  appoint- 
ments, reaching  up  into  Michigan. 

In  1855  he  was  sent  to  the  newly  established  Indianapolis 
Mission.  Brethren  from  the  Otts  class  helped  to  convey  his  fam- 
ily and  household  goods  to  Peru,  from  whence  they  could  go  per 
railroad.     Coming  down  a  hill  just  to  the  north  of  the  city,  it  be- 

289 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ing-  dark  already,  the  harness  on  his  own  horse  broke,  the  rig 
rushed  onto  the  horse,  which  was  frightened  by  it,  and  began 
to  run,  rear  and  kick.  It  looked  serious  for  a  while,  but  ended 
without  serious  injury  to  any  of  the  occupants.  In  1856  he  was 
returned  to  Indianapolis.  In  the  two  years  he  gathered  a  society  of 
39  good,  pious,  working  members.  In  1857  he  was  sent  to  Dayton 
Station,  where,  he  says,  "I  spent  the  two  most  pleasant  years  of  my 
ministry."  He  received  61  members.  In  1859  he  was  elected 
Presiding  Elder  and  assigned  to  Wabash  District,  which  consisted 
of  5  fields  in  each  State  of  Illinois  and  Indiana,  with  only  two  rail- 
roads. He  almost  exclusively  traveled  per  horseback,  or  horse  and 
buggy.  Streams  were  unbridged,  bottom  lands  often  inundated, 
and  fording  streams  was  dangerous,  exposures  were  great.  He 
spent  about  one-third  of  his  time  on  the  road.  This  he  regarded 
a  great  waste  of  time,  and  so  told  Bro.  Schafer,  who  replied  com- 
fortingly, ''Well,  brother,  someone  must  do  it ;  if  you  did  not  some- 
one else  would  have  to,  and  so  you  might  as  well  do  it  as  someone 
else." 

In  1863  he  was  re-elected  and  assigned  to  Elkhart  District, 
which  reached  far  up  into  Michigan.  When  the  Michigan  Confer- 
ence was  organized  in  1864  the  district  became  smaller.  He  served 
out  his  four  years  with  success.  In  1867  he  was  again  re-elected, 
but,  feeling  he  should  be  more  at  home,  he  resigned.  Ft.  Wayne 
was  now  taken  up  as  a  new  mission  and  assigned  to  Steflfey.  A 
class  of  16  members  had  been  organized  here  in  the  past  year  by 
D.  S.  Oakes.  He  served  here  two  years,  having  47  accessions.  In 
1869-71  he  again  served  Dayton  Station  and  met  with  many  diffi- 
culties. In  1871  he  was  again  elected  Presiding  Elder  and  served 
Ft.  Wayne  District,  and  was  re-elected  in  1875,  and  served  Elkhart 
District.  In  1879  he  thanked  the  Conference  for  not  re-electing 
him.  He  was  sent  to  Elkhart,  Division  Street  Church,  and  served 
it  3  years  with  good  success.  In  1882  he  was  sent  for  the  third  time 
to  Dayton  Station,  serving  3  years  with  splendid  results.  In  1885 
he  was  sent  to  Indianapolis  after  an  absence  of  30  years  as  pastor. 
He  then  beg-an  with  no  members,  but  now  had  250.  Salary  then, 
with  appropriation,  was  $275 ;  now  self-supporting  with  $800.  No 
church  and  parsonage,  now  a  $30,000  church  and  a  good  parsonage. 
In  1887  he  was  again  sent  to  Elkhart,  Division  Street  Church, 
serving  it  3  years.  In  1890,  and  for  three  years,  he  served  South 
Bend,  German.  These  were  years  of  great  concern,  caused  by  fac- 
tions and  rebellious  spirits,  when  100  dissatisfied  members  left.  A 
few  ringleaders  who  were  largely  responsible  for  these  with- 
drawals were  expelled. 

290 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Bro.  Steffey,  through  all  church  conflicts,  remained  firm,  and 
was  uncompromisingly  loyal  to  all  her  interests.  After  he  had 
given  41  years  of  unbroken  service  he  located,  April,  1893,  in  South 
Bend,  remaining  until  the  death  of  his  wife  in  1898.  After  this  he 
made  his  home  in  Dayton  with  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Geo.  Freehafer. 
His  interest  in  the  church  did  not  abate  after  retirement.  When- 
ever practical  he  attended  the  Annual  Conference  sessions.  His 
memory,  once  so  retentive  and  clear,  became  in  his  last  two  years 
very  defective,  and  in  his  thoughts  lived  in  the  remote  past,  talk- 
ing of  things  of  pioneer  days.  D.  S.  Oakes,  who  was  intimately 
acquainted  with  him,  said  of  him  "that  he  was  a  man  of  keen  in- 
tellect, good  judgment  and  fine  executive  abilities.  As  an  associate 
he  was  genial,  courteous,  frank,  open,  vivacious  and  cheerful.  His 
conversation  was  animated,  interesting  and  instructive.  As  a  pre- 
siding officer  he  had  clear  comprehension  and  fine  tact.  He  was  an 
excellent  Presiding  Elder.  As  pastor  he  was  active,  consistent, 
sympathetic,  and  always  took  a  deep  interest  in  the  temporal  and 
spiritual  welfare  of  his  parishioners.  As  a  preacher  he  was  a  su- 
perior exegete  and  textuist.  His  discourses  were  not  emotional,  but 
invariably  clear,  logical,  edifying  and  convincing.  In  his  work  he 
was  methodical,  which  was  of  a  substantial  character." 


GEO.  CALVIN  STEININGER   (1864-1889) 

Geo.  C.  was  a  son  of  Ruben  and  Sophia  Steininger,  and  a  na- 
tive of  Snyder  Co.,  Pa.,  born  Dec.  30,  1864.  He  died  in  E.  German- 
town,  Jan.  2,  1889.  His  remains  were  taken  to  the  old  home  ceme- 
tery near  Rochester,  Ind.  While  he  was  yet  a  lad  his  parents 
moved  to  Fulton  Co.,  Ind.,  on  a  farm  about  7  miles  north-west  of 
Rochester.  Here  he  grew  to  manhood  and  was  brought  up  in  an 
Evangelical  home  and  community.  From  youth  up  he  attended 
Sunday-school.    He  received  his  education  in  rural  district  schools. 

In  1884  he  was  soundly  converted  to  God  and  joined  the  Evan- 
gelical Association.  He  took  active  part  in  her  work.  When  he  be- 
came fully  conscious  of  his  divine  call  to  the  ministry  he  applied 
to  the  Grand  View  class  of  Rochester  Circuit  for  a  recommenda- 
tion to  Conference  for  license  to  preach  the  Gospel.  This  was 
cheei'fully  given,  April,  1887.  At  this  session  he  was  sent  to  Akron 
Mission  under  J,  Wales.  In  1888  he  was  stationed  to  E.  German- 
town,  where  he  labored  very  acceptably  and  successfully  until 
death.  Dec.  30,  '88,  he  held  a  service  in  E.  Germantown  and  re- 
organized the  Sunday-school.     In  the  afternoon   he  preached  at 

291 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Pleasant  Hill,  apparently  in  the  best  of  health  and  joyous  spirit. 
His  last  Gospel  theme  was,  "Go  on  to  perfection."  On  Monday 
noon,  Dec.  31,  he  took  very  sick,  suffering  intensely,  until  Wednes- 
day morning,  when  he  peacefully  passed  away.  P.  A.  Orth  of 
Richmond  conducted  the  funeral  at  E.  Germantown.  D.  S.  Oakes, 
his  Presiding  Elder,  held  another  service  at  his  old  home,  after 
which  his  body  was  entombed.  "His  preaching  was  sound  and 
logical.  He  was  staid  and  consistent,  and  a  promising  young 
preacher.    He  was  survived  by  his  wife  and  one  child." 


HENRY  STRICKLER    (1828-1856) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  near  Warsaw,  Ind.,  March 
3,  1828,  and  died  near  Cicero,  Ind.,  while  serving  Hamilton  Mis- 
sion. His  body  was  interred  in  Bethlehem  Cemetery,  near  Cicero, 
Ind.  He  died  of  typhoid  fever  and  cholera,  suffering  eight  weeks. 
He  was  converted  in  his  twelfth  year  in  a  class  of  the  Evangelical 
Association,  located  between  Warsaw  and  Silver  Lake,  Ind.,  where 
his  parents  belonged.  He  then  also  united  with  this  class  and 
became  active  in  the  church.  Here  he  grew  to  manhood.  His 
school  privileges  were  limited,  as  were  those  of  early  settlers. 

He  was  married  to  Rachel  Schnitz,  May  23,  1850.  To  them 
were  born  one  son  and  one  daughter.  Their  life  was  one  of  great 
deprivations,  like  that  of  all  early  pioneer  preachers.  Mrs.  Strick- 
ler  related  an  experience  they  had  in  a  log  parsonage,  the  roof  of 
which  was  so  poor  that  when  it  rained  she  would  have  to  pile  the 
bedding  under  the  family  umbrella  to  keep  them  from  getting  wet, 
so  they  would  have  a  dry  bed  to  sleep  in. 

HIS    CALL    TO    PREACH    AND    MINISTRY 

Quite  early  in  his  Christian  life  he  felt  that  he  should  preach 
the  Gospel  of  Christ,  but  from  lack  of  education  he  declined  to  take 
up  the  work.  But  the  Lord  gave  him  no  rest.  So  he  finally  yielded. 
The  pioneer  preachers  often  sorely  felt  the  need  of  a  better  intel- 
lectual equipment.  His  class  duly  recommended  him  to  the  Illi- 
nois Conference,  which  then  covered  the  State  of  Indiana.  At  the 
Conference  session  of  1848  he  was  licensed  as  preacher  on  proba- 
tion. He  then  served  four  years  as  a  local  preacher,  then  followed 
four  years  of  active  service.  His  physical  weakness  considerably 
hindered  him  in  his  Gospel  work,  and  he  was  soon  overcome  by 
the  ravages  of  disease.  In  1853  he  served  as  junior  preacher  to 
Jacob  Keiper  on  Miami  Circuit,  later  called  Fulton.  This  field 
then  extended  over  the  greater  part  of  six  counties,  Wabash,  Hunt- 

292 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

ington,  Kosciusko,  Fulton,  Miami  and  Cass.  There  were  20  ap- 
pointments. The  roads  were  bad,  streams  had  few  bridges,  the 
woods  were  inhabited  with  wild  beasts.  The  hardships,  indeed, 
were  numerous  and  great,  enough  to  dishearten  a  strong  man,  say 
nothing  about  a  weakly  man.  In  1854  he  became  assistant  to  J.  M. 
Kronmiller  on  St.  Mary's  Circuit,  consisting  of  about  20  appoint- 
ments in  Wells,  Adams,  part  of  Huntington,  Allen  Counties,  and 
over  into  Ohio.  The  privations  on  this  field  were  very  great,  due 
to  prevailing  chill-fever,  and,  further,  as  Kronmiller  said,  "The 
spirit  of  disunion  among  members  of  the  church  was  quite  notice- 
able in  places,"  which  added  to  the  burdens. 

In  a  meeting  held  by  Bro.  K.  and  S.,  six  miles  north  of  Van 
Wert,  now  Grand  Victory,  then  called  Mohr's  settlement,  Brother 
Strickler,  under  the  power  of  the  Spirit,  after  seven  souls  were 
converted  in  one  night,  fell  into  a  trance  at  8  P.  M.,  and  remained 
so  until  the  next  day  8  A.  M.,  when  he  came  out  of  it  again.  This 
was  a  wonderful  experience.  Some  thought  he  was  dead.  One 
man  said,  "If  this  man  comes  to  life  again  I  will  believe  in  this 
work."  When  he  came  out  of  the  trance  it  made  a  deep  impres- 
sion on  the  citizens  and  resulted  in  good  to  others  and  to  the  praise 
of  God.  In  1855  he  served  on  Yellow  River  Circuit.  He  lived  in 
Benton,  Elkhart  Co.,  Ind.,  and  preached  around  Bremen,  Ind.,  and 
northward  and  eastward  into  Elkhart  and  Kosciusko  Co.  In  1856 
he  served  Hamilton  Circuit. 

Bro.  Strickler  was  a  tender-hearted  man  and  was  often  quite 
emotional  in  his  preaching.  His  relatives  say  "he  was  not  a  great 
preacher,  but  that  his  tears,  while  preaching,  caused  more  conver- 
sions than  did  his  preaching."  He  had  an  amiable  nature;  he  was 
sociable  with  the  people  and  gave  them  good  pastoral  care.  Dur- 
ing his  illness  his  mind  was  steady.  He  was  an  incarnation  of  pa- 
tience and  of  resignation.  By  the  grace  of  God  he  was  able,  in  the 
midst  of  intense  suffering,  to  praise  God  with  a  loud  voice,  saying 
repeatedly,  "How  blessedly  true  Christianity  is  in  life,  but  how 
much  more  in  sickness.  Hallelujah!"  Thus  ended  his  life  in 
victorv. 


CONRAD  TRAMER    (1824-1902) 

This  brother  was  born  in  Hemschack,  Baden,  Germany,  Jan. 
13,  1824,  and  peacefully  departed  this  life  in  Mishawaka,  Ind., 
March  22,  1902.  His  body  was  laid  to  rest  in  Crown  Hill  Ceme- 
tery, Indianapolis,  Ind.  He  was  survived  by  his  second  wife,  2  sons 
and  5  daughters.     He  was  the  youngest  of  ten  children.     His  first 

293 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


CONRAD  TRAMER 


marriage  was  with  Elizabeth  Pfle- 
ger  in  Cleveland,  O.,  in  1847,  the 
same  year  in  which  he  came  to 
America  with  his  mother.  To  them 
were  born  eight  children.  Here  he 
and  his  wife  and  mother  came  un- 
der the  influence  of  the  Gospel  of 
Christ  in  the  labors  of  Rev.  C.  G. 
Koch,  pastor  of  Cleveland  charge 
of  the  Evangelical  Association. 
The  Gospel  seed  took  root,  and  in 
1851  they  were  all  converted  to 
God  and  joined  our  church,  and 
continued  faithful  to  the  end.  He 
was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Ohio 
Conference  in  1856,  and  was  or- 
dained deacon  and  elder. 

He  was  reared  in  the  Luther- 
an Church  and  obtained  the  usual 
catechetical  instruction  besides 
other  schooling.  He  obtained  a  fair  German  education.  After  he 
was  converted  he  became  active  in  the  work  of  the  Evangelical 
Association.  He  soon  felt  that  God  wanted  him  as  a  "herald  of  the 
cross."  He  did  not  hesitate  long  after  this  high  calling  was  made 
clear  to  him.  He  saw  the  great  harvest  white  for  reaping  and  gar- 
nering, but  that  the  reapers  were  far  too  few.  Cheerfully  he 
obeyed  the  call.  His  class  in  Cleveland  duly  recommended  him  to 
the  Ohio  Conference  as  a  fit  person  to  preach  the  Word.  The  Con- 
ference met  in  the  Hope  Church  of  the  Evangelical  Association  in 
Wayne  Co.,  Ohio,  in  1856,  where  he  was  licensed  and  received  into 
the  itinerancy. 

He  served  the  following  fields  in  this  Conference:  Lake  Cir- 
cuit, 1856,  with  G.  L.  Behner.  In  1857  he  was  assigned  to  San- 
dusky City  and  served  here  two  years.  In  1859-61  he  served  De- 
troit, in  Michigan;  1861-3,  Tifiin,  Ohio;  1863-4,  Cincinnati;  1864-6, 
Wooster  Mission;  1866-8,  Cleveland  charge;  1868-70,  Sandusky 
City  again.  He  served  this  Conference  14  years  and  was  its  sec- 
retary for  the  greater  part  of  this  time.  This  shows  that  he  was 
held  in  high  esteem  by  the  Conference  and  presiding  officers. 

In  1870  he  changed  his  Conference  relation  to  the  Indiana 
Conference  and  served  E.  Germantown  Circuit,  which  had  become 
vacant  by  the  death  of  Rev.  Geo.  Wales.  In  1871  he  was  assigned 
to  Louisville  Station,  serving  it  two  years.     Then  Olney  charge 

294 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

from  1873-5.  Then  Indianapolis,  First  Church,  from  1875-7. 
Then  Indianapolis  Mission  from  1877-80.  In  1880-1  he  served  Lo- 
gansport  Mission.  Then  Julietta  work  from  1881-4.  Here  his 
beloved  wife  died.  From  1884-6  he  served  Mishawaka  Circuit. 
In  April,  1885,  he  married  Lena  Zimmerman,  a  young  woman  to 
whom  were  born  one  son  and  one  daughter.  In  1886-7  he  served 
Montgomery  Circuit  (Phillipsburg),  then  Richmond  from  1887- 
8,  and  closed  his  active  ministry  on  Phillipsburg  charge,  which  he 
served  1888-9.  Thus  he  gave  a  total  of  32  years  in  active  minis- 
terial service. 

In  these  years  he  underwent  many  trials  of  faith  and  minis- 
terial and  domestic  hardships.  Owing  to  age  and  family  conditions 
he  located  and  moved  to  Mishawaka,  Ind.,  with  his  family,  where 
he  continued  the  service  of  Christ  as  age  allowed  and  opportuni- 
ties afforded.  He  was  a  true  and  faithful  preacher  and  pastor, 
sound  in  doctrine,  insistent  on  experimental  religion,  and  consist- 
ent in  Christian  living.  When  Mishawaka  society  passed  through 
a  critical  crisis  he  tried  hard  to  bring  success  out  of  apparent  de- 
feat, and  yielded  to  entire  English  services  and  to  the  relocation 
of  the  church  property,  although  this  was  hard  for  him  to  aban- 
don the  old  place  of  worship  so  near  to  his  home.  He,  however, 
died  before  the  relocation  took  place.  He  served  this  society  for 
some  time  as  German  class-leader.  During  his  ministerial  career 
he  often  contributed  very  interesting  and  timely  theses  to  the 
ChHstliche  Botschafter. 

Seven  years  prior  to  his  demise  he  suffered  a  long  siege  of 
illness  from  which  he  never  fully  recovered.  In  his  suffering  he 
would  say,  "The  Lord's  will  be  done."  In  the  morning  before  his 
departure  he  called  his  friends  and  pastor,  W.  H.  Tracy,  and  said, 
"He  would  soon  go."  That  he  had  walked  by  faith,  putting  his  foot- 
steps in  those  of  his  Master's."  And  then,  looking  up  smilingly,  said, 
"I  am  happy  in  Jesus.  Oh,  praise  the  Lord,"  and  with  a  strong 
voice  said  to  his  friend,  "Why  do  you  weep?  You  ought  to  rejoice 
that  I  am  soon  to  be  relieved  of  my  suffering."  Then  grasping  the 
hand  of  his  pastor,  he  said :  "Oh,  you  praise  the  Lord.  I  am  too 
weak."  Soon  after  this  he  expired.  Thus  went  this  man  of  God 
into  the  great  beyond  to  receive  his  reward.  The  funeral  service 
was  conducted  in  Mishawaka  by  his  pastor,  W.  S.  Tracy,  in  the  old 
church,  assisted  by  other  brethren,  and  in  Indianapolis  by  the  pas- 
tor of  our  First  Church,  F.  Rausch. 


295 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

JACOB  TROMETER   (1809-1895) 

Bro.  Trometer,  having  been  a  pioneer  worker  in  the  Master's 
vineyard  in  the  southern  part  of  Indiana  and  Illinois,  laying  a  good 
foundation  for  Christ's  cause,  we  deem  it  proper  to  accord  him  a 
place  in  this  volume.  His  life  was  an  eventful  one.  He  was  born 
in  Von  Zum^  Hof,  Oberamt  Welzheim,  Wuerttemberg,  Germany, 
June  12,  1809,  and  died  June  27,  1895,  at  the  home  of  his  son 
near  Hart,  Oceana  Co.,  Mich.  He  attended  school  at  the  place  of 
his  nativity.  A  good  foundation  of  Bible  knowledge  was  provi- 
dentially laid,  on  which  his  Christian  life  could  thrive.  Before 
he  quit  school  "the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  had  been  working  powerfully 
with  him."  But,  as  in  many  other  cases,  when  teachers  and  preach- 
ers of  the  Old  State  Church  had  no  real  Christian  experience,  so 
he,  with  others,  having  no  one  to  guide  him  into  the  full  light, 
made  no  experience  of  regeneration  through  faith  in  Christ. 

After  finishing  school  he  learned  the  shoemaker  trade,  which 
work  he  followed  until  he  entered  the  ministry.  He  immigrated 
to  America  in  1834  with  a  daughter  two  years  old,  and  settled 
in  Philadelphia,  Pa.  The  journey  was  long  and  tedious,  full  of 
disappointments  and  sorrows,  as  his  wife  and  one  child  died  while 
crossing  the  ocean.  From  Philadelphia  he  moved  to  Ohio,  where 
he  was  married  again  to  Christina  Koerner, 

HIS  CONVERSION 

In  1836  he  came  under  the  influence  of  preaching  by  Rev. 
Hanky,  a  local  preacher,  and  became  enlightened  as  to  the  need 
of  and  way  unto  salvation,  and  was  happily  converted  to  God,  and 
then  at  once  joined  the  Evangelical  Association.  The  joy  of  sal- 
vation was  great ;  he  could  not  keep  it  to  himself,  but  felt  con- 
strained to  tell  it  to  others  what  a  dear  Saviour  he  had  found,  and 
earnestly  admonished  them  to  seek  for  the  same  joy  in  Christ. 

By  the  Spirit  of  God  he  was  led  to  leave  Ohio  in  1841.  and 
moved  to  Huntingburg,  Dubois  Co.,  Ind.  At  this  time,  he  said, 
"this  place  was  a  wild  wilderness,  and  the  people  were  godless 
and  had  no  regard  for  Sunday  and  for  holy  things."  Here,  as  a 
local  preacher,  he  found  ample  opportunity  to  labor  for  the  Lord. 
He  began  preaching  the  pure  Gospel  on  Sundays.  The  people 
came  to  hear  him.  He  was  the  first  preacher  that  preached  in 
this  community.  His  work  was  owned  and  blessed  of  God,  to  the 
conversion  of  many  souls.  The  first  fruit  was  F.  Wiethaup,  who, 
later,  entered  the  ministry.  A  class  of  20  members  was  organ- 
ized by  him  in  1843.  He  then  sent  a  "Macedonian  call"  to  C.  Lint- 
ner  and  A.  Nicolai  at  Mt.  Carmel,  111.,  then  missionaries  on  Mt. 

296 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS' 

Carmel  Mission  of  the  Ohio  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation. They  came,  inspected  T.'s  work  and  took  up  this  place 
as  a  part  of  their  work.     The  work  prospered. 

Bro.  Tronieter  now  concluded  to  enter  the  active  ministry.  Up 
to  this  time  he  had  but  a  local  Quarterly  Conference  license.  At  the 
Illinois  Conference  session,  in  1845,  he  received  a  Conference  license 
and  was  received  into  the  itinerancy,  and  was  assigned  to  Dubois 
Mission,  now  detached  from  Mt.  Carmel.  In  1846  he  was  sent 
to  Mt.  Carmel  charge.  In  1847  he  had  to  locate  due  to  bodily 
infirmities,  and  stayed  out  until  1857,  when  he  resumed  the  active 
ministry.  He  served  some  of  the  largest  fields  in  the  Conference 
with  tact  and  success,  even  though  he  was  a  crippled  man,  having 
but  one  leg.  His  deprivations  were  great,  as  one  of  his  own  re- 
lated. In  these  days  it  took  heroic  courage  to  be  a  true  and  faith- 
ful circuit  rider.  In  1862  the  Indiana  Conference,  having  great 
confidence  in  his  faithfulness  and  ability  to  do  pioneer  work  and 
organize  classes,  assigned  him  to  Calhoun  Mission  in  Michigan, 
which  extended  over  five  counties.  In  1863  he  was  returned  to 
this  field  with  John  Berger  as  assistant.  His  work  was  a  great 
success.  But  during  the  second  year  his  health  again  began  to 
fail,  and  had  to  locate  in  the  fall  of  1864.  This  was  the  year  when 
the  Michigan  Conference  was  formed  and  organized  out  of  the 
fields  of  the  Indiana  Conference  lying  within  the  State  of  Michi- 
gan, and  two  appointments  in  north-eastern  Indiana.  He  now 
moved  on  a  small  farm  near  Marshall,  Michigan.  Later  into  the 
city,  where  he  again  took  up  his  shoemaker  trade.  In  1882  his  wife 
died,  leaving  him  alone  and  lonely.  His  children  lived  in  three 
different  States  far  from  him.  But,  said  he,  "I  was  not  forsaken 
of  the  Lord."  His  last  13  years  he  spent  in  Woodland,  Mich.  In 
all  Father  Trometer  gave  13  years  in  active  service,  and  upward 
of  40  years  in  the  local  capacity,  which  were,  for  the  most  part, 
active  for  God.  His  biographer.  Rev.  J.  M.  Fuchs,  of  the  Michi- 
gan Conference,  said  his  sermons  were  practical,  unctuous  and 
full  of  Bible  truths.  He  had  a  peculiar  faculty  of  impressing  the 
truth  upon  the  hearts  of  his  hearers.  He  preached  the  Word  as 
he  believed  it  and  experienced  it  himself.  His  property,  to  the 
amount  of  a  few  hundred  dollars,  he  bequeathed  to  the  Michigan 
Conference.  

JACOB  K.  TROYER  (1838-1905) 

Brother  Troyer  began  his  earthly  life  in  Holmes  Co.,  Ohio, 
June  18,  '38,  and  departed  at  Elkhart,  Indiana,  July  3,  1905,  where 
his  body  is  also  interred.     He  was  converted  under  the  labors  of 

297 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

John  Kaufman  at  Zion  class,  Bunker  Hill  Circuit,  in  '65.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach,  Sept.,  '67,  was  ordained  deacon  in  '68,  and  as 
elder  in  '71.  He  served  as  special  collector  for  the  liquidation  of 
the  Conference  church  debt  in  '80.  He  was  married  to  Mary  Mil- 
ler, June  8th,  '56,  and  was  the  father  of  eleven  children,  of  whom 
six  preceded  him  in  death.  L.  S.  Fisher  officiated  at  the  funeral, 
other  brethren  assisting. 

The  first  seventeen  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  the  place  of 
his  birth,  where  the  rural  school  privileges  were  enjoyed.  In  '55 
his  parents  moved  to  Howard  Co.,  Indiana,  about  8  miles  north-east 
of  Kokomo.  As  yet  this  country  was  new  and  heavily  timbered,  and 
he  was  obliged  to  help  in  establishing  a  home  for  the  family.  The 
land  was  low  and  wet,  but  of  the  very  best  kind.  The  community 
was  being  largely  settled  by  Amish-Mennonites,  whose  religious 
life  was  mostly  form,  ordinances  and  outward  observances.  Wor- 
ship was  conducted  among  them  in  private  homes,  but  experimental 
religion  was  a  total  stranger. 

About  '60  pioneer  preachers  of  the  Evangelical  Association 
came  into  this  community  and  preached  experimental  religion  and 
conscious  deliverance  from  sin.  The  Troyer  family  began  to  at- 
tend, and  Jacob  was  the  first  to  be  convicted  of  the  error  of  his  way. 
But  not  until  two  of  his  children  had  been  taken  by  death,  and 
Rev.  John  Kaufman  began  preaching  in  their  school-house,  did  he 
finally  surrender  himself  to  Christ.  He  had  a  severe  struggle 
bringing  his  will  in  subjection  to  God's  will,  but  at  last  Christ  was 
victor.  He  now  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association,  which 
brought  upon  him  considerable  persecution  from  the  old  church.  He 
was  one  of  the  charter  members  of  the  Zion  class  of  the  Waupecong 
Circuit. 

HIS  CALL  TO  PREACH  AND  WORK  AS  A  MINISTER 

Soon  after  his  conversion  the  voice  of  God  was  heard,  call- 
ing him  to  go  forth  as  a  messenger  of  the  Light,  to  which  voice 
he  was  obedient.  He  had  been  serving  as  class-leader,  and  in  the 
summer  of  '67  was  recommended  to  the  Conference  for  license, 
which  was  duly  granted  him  that  same  year.  He  was  assigned  as 
assistant  to  S.  Kiplinger  to  the  Kendallville  Circuit  in  '67 ;  Elk- 
hart Circuit,  '68.  During  this  year  he,  with  his  family,  lived 
in  one  side  of  the  four-roomed  parsonage  at  Ott's  settlement, 
D.  S.  Oakes,  with  his  familj^,  living  on  the  other  side.  Each  family 
had  several  children,  and  so,  with  their  own  hands,  they  added 
a  kitchen  apiece  to  the  house.  The  quarters  were  crowded,  but 
the  sweetest  of  fellowship  existed  among  them  during  their  stay 
together.     From  '69  to  '70  he  served  Montgomery  Circuit,  in  and 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

around  Greenville.  From  '71-72,  Newville,  now  Linn  Grove.  Here 
he  had  many  conversions  and  accessions — with  considerable  trou- 
ble. From  '73  to  '75  he  served  Bremen  Circuit,  where  many  were 
saved,  and  in  '76-77,  Dayton,  First  Church;  '78-79,  he  served 
Wabash  Circuit;  '80,  was  made  special  collector  for  Conference 
debt,  in  which  he  was  partially  successful.  In  '81  he  located  in 
Elkhart  Co.,  Indiana,  and  engaged  in  garden  trucking.  Later  on 
he  moved  to  the  city  of  Elkhart,  where  he  continued  until  his 
demise. 

Brother  Troyer  was  a  fearless  preacher,  and  was  not  easily 
embarrassed,  yet  his  self-confidence  sometimes  got  him  into  the 
"brushes"  when  he  tried  to  preach.  His  preaching  was  biblical, 
practical  and  frequently  unctuous  and  persuasive.  He  often  had 
the  altars  full  of  seekers,  and  was  an  effective  soul-winner.  He  was 
of  a  social  disposition,  and  was  an  earnest  and  faithful  worker. 
In  his  later  days  he  was  a  faithful  and  honored  member  of  the 
Division  Street  Church  at  Elkhart,  and  labored  hard  for  the  merger 
of  Division  Street  and  Watchtower  Churches.  He  was  one  of 
the  very  first  to  advocate  the  merger,  but  was  called  home  to  rest 
before  the  merger  could  take  place. 

PRESENTED  TO  CONFERENCE  AS  A  MEMORIAL,  BY  D.  S.  OAKES 

Jacob  K.  Troyer,  my  genial,  blithesome, 
Faithful  brother,  colleague,  friend! 
Is  it  not  meet  that  I  should  place 
A  wreath  of  roses  on  his  tomb? 
Once  so  alive  and  now  so  dead, 
And,  yet,  though  he  be  dead  to  us 
(Save  in  our  thoughts  and  memories), 
He  liveth  still  for  evermore. 
Though  of  Helvetian  parentage, 
He  'midst  Ohio's  hills  and  glades  was  born, 
Near  where  the  turbid  waters  of  the 
Tuscarawas  River  roll,  he  first  beheld 
The  light  of  day. 
In  early  years  the  family  came 
To  Indiana's  bounds,  and  settled  down 
In  Howard  County's  fertile  fields. 
Reared  in  the  Amish  Church,  he  to  her 
Tenets  held  with  firm  tenacity,  until 
In  1865  he  came  to  better  life, 
And  through  ministrations  of 
Our  veteran  Kaufman  he  was  led 

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Into  the  fold  of  Christ  and  fellowship  with  us. 

In  1867  he  joined  our  ministerial  ranks; 

He  labored  hard  and  faithful,  well, 

For  fourteen  years,  and  then  retired. 

Sanguine  in  disposition,  with  pun  and  wit, 

And,  over  all,  a  kind  and  loving  heart. 

He  carried  sunshine  where'er  he  went. 

But  now,  alas! 

Its  luster  his  sparkling  eye  has  lost ; 

His  ready  tongue  has  ceased  to  speak ; 

His  throbbing  heart  has  ceased  to  beat; 

But,  we  believe,  with  eye  that  never  dims, 

He  sees ;  with  tongue  that  never  falters 

He  proclaims  the  praise  of  Him  by  whom 

He  was  redeemed. 

With  heart  made  pure  in  Jesus'  blood. 

In  garments  all  immaculate. 

He,  with  the  multitude  untold. 

Who  through  great  tribulations  have  gone  up 

Before  the  throne,  now^  strikes  glad  harp, 

And  joins,  in  joyous  harmony,  to  swell 

The  song  that  makes  heaven's  vaults  reverberate, 

The  song  of  Moses  and  the  Lamb. 


CHRISTIAN  UDE  (1835-1898) 

Bro.  Ude  was  born  in  Helmsherode,  Braunschweig,  Germany, 
April  4,  1835,  and  died  in  peace  Oct.  16,  1898,  in  Michigan.  The 
funeral  was  conducted  by  Rev.  H.  Welker.  He  was  reared  a  Luth- 
eran. In  1845  his  parents  cajne  to  America  and  settled  in  Vander- 
burgh Co.,  Ind.,  near  Evansville,  Ind.  In  1852  he  came  under  the 
influence  of  the  true  Gospel  preached  by  Peter  Burgener,  and  was 
converted  to  God  and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association. 

In  1856  he  was  providentially  led  to  Carmi,  111.,  where  he  fol- 
lowed his  vocation.  At  this  time  there  were  no  members  of  our 
church  at  this  place,  but  our  preachers  began  coming  in  and  laid 
the  foundation  for  our  future  work.  Soon  people  were  converted 
and  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association  and  were  organized 
into  a  class.  He  was  elected  as  first  class-leader  and  soon  showed 
unusual  fitness  for  the  office.  The  work  of  the  Lord  prospered  in  his 
hands.  He  had  a  deep  desire  in  his  heart  to  save  souls.  He  was 
clearly  convinced  of  his  divine  call  to  the  ministry.  He  gave  up  his 
work  and  consecrated  himself  for  service  in  Christ's  vineyard. 

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Having  received  his  recommendation,  he  was  licensed  by  the 
Indiana  Conference  in  Sept.,  1857.  He  was  then  sent  to  DeKalb 
Mission.  From  now  on  he  wholly  devoted  his  life  to  the  Lord,  serv- 
ing 38  years  in  the  active  ranks  of  the  ministry,  and,  afterwards  31/2 
years  in  the  local  relation.  He  served  seven  years  in  the  Indiana 
Conference.  When  the  Michigan  Conference  was  organized  in 
Sept.,  1864,  Ude  became  a  charter  member  of  said  Conference  and 
remained  an  honored  member  of  it  until  he  was  called  from  labor 
to  reward. 

On  Jan.  8,  1861,  he  was  married  to  Christina  Miller  of  Wood- 
land, Michigan.  From  this  union  issued  nine  children,  of  whom 
five  died  in  infancy.  He  suffered  the  loss  of  his  wife  Dec.  2,  1875. 
He  was  married  a  second  time  to  Maria  Eilber;  to  them  were  born 
seven  children ;  one  died  in  infancy. 

It  was  said  of  him  "that  he  was  a  kind  husband  and  an  af- 
fectionate and  indulgent  father,  who  governed  his  domestic  af- 
fairs. That  he  was  an  able  minister  and  led  many  souls  to  Christ." 
Five  years  previous  to  his  death  his  health  gave  way.  In  1897  he 
retired  from  active  service.  The  obsequies  were  conducted  by  H. 
Voelker  of  the  Michigan  Conference. 


BERNHART  UPHAUS   (1824-1901) 

Synopsis :  Born  in  Schalle,  Oberamt  Tecklenburg,  Westphalen, 
Prussia,  Aug.  4,  1824.  Died  Oct.  18,  1901.  Buried  at  Emmets- 
ville  Church  Cemetery.  Converted  near  Chicago,  Jan.,  '46.  United 
with  the  Evangelical  Church.  Licensed  to  preach.  May,  '48,  by 
the  Illinois  Conference.  Ordained  as  deacon,  '50 ;  elder,  '52.  Mar- 
ried to  Mary  K.  Mayer,  sister  to  Melchior  Mayer,  May  4th,  '54. 
Father  of  two  sons  and  five  daughters.  Survived  by  two  sons  and 
two  daughters. 

His  father  died  when  Bernhart  was  hardly  two  years  old,  and 
his  mother,  who  was  a  Berkemeyer,  broke  up  housekeeping  in  or- 
der to  better  provide  for  her  children.  At  the  age  of  40  she  died, 
and  Bernhart  was  left  in  the  care  of  his  uncle.  His  sister  was 
reared  by  another  uncle,  and  this  separation,  he  said,  "greatly 
grieved  me,  but  we  were  not  forsaken,  for  God  led  our  pilgrimage." 

Brother  Uphaus'  father  was  reared  and  confirmed  in  the 
Lutheran  Church.  His  mother  was  catechized  and  confirmed  in 
the  Reformed  Church.  Her  instructions  had  a  blessed  effect  upon 
her  son's  early  life,  enabling  him  to  realize  clearly  his  need  of  a 
personal  Saviour.     He  understood  that  he  could  have  a  definite 

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and  conscious  salvation  from  sin,  and  he  diligently  searched  God's 
Word  for  it.  He  often  went  into  secret  prayer  in  order  that  he 
might  experience,  what  he  believed  could  be  attained,  but  did  not 
come  to  the  point  of  definite  assurance  of  salvation  while  in  the 
old  country.  During  all  this  he  affirmed,  "The  merciful  and  saving 
love  of  God  did  not  depart  from  me,  but  followed  me  continually. 
God's  eye  watched  over  me,  and  his  hand  led  me,  his  goodness 
accompanied  me  through  my  young  life." 

HIS   IMMIGRATION      TO  AMERICA  AND  CONVERSION 

In  1845  he  came  to  America,  arriving  at  New  York,  July  4th, 
and  two  weeks  later  he  reached  Chicago,  the  entire  journey  last- 
ing nine  weeks.  He  said,  "God  was  with  me  on  the  way."  In 
Chicago  he  was  met  by  his  uncle  Gerhart  Miller,  who  took  him 
to  his  country  home,  on  the  Esher  settlement.  They  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Evangelical  Association,  and  on  Sundays  he  went  to 
church  with  them.  Chr.  Kopp  was  the  pastor.  During  the  week 
he  attended  the  prayer-meetings  which  were  held  in  the  homes, 
and  it  was  thus  that  he  came  under  the  Gospel  as  preached  by  the 
Evangelical  Association.  He  determined  to  seek  salvation  at  once, 
and  in  Jan.,  '46,  found  peace  to  his  soul.  A  wonderful  quiet  filled 
his  soul,  and  he  could  truly  say,  "Ich  habe  nun  den  Grund  gefun- 
den,  der  meinen  Anker  ewig  halt." 

During  '46-47  he  came  to  a  very  important  epoch  in  his  life. 
Up  to  this  time  he  worked  on  a  farm,  attending  prayer-meeting 
regularly.  Bishop  John  Seybert  came  and  preached  a  sermon  on 
1  Pet.  2:  9.  His  theme  was  "Entire  sanctification,  and  uncondi- 
tional surrender  to  God  of  soul,  body  and  spirit,  and  all  earthly 
store,  to  experience  a  higher  degree  of  grace."  Uphaus  received 
the  entire  sermon  and  prayed  and  searched  for  more  light.  Hope- 
fully he  laid  aside  all  unnecessary  things,  and  took  a  new  interest 
in  all  public  services.  With  this  consecration  he  experienced  a 
very  special  blessing  and  now  strove  to  wholly  live  for  God.  Soon 
after  this  he  again  heard  the  Bishop  preach  on  Jer.  45:  25.  His 
sermon  greatly  strengthened  and  firmly  established  him,  his  soul 
overflowed  with  joy,  and  as  God  led  him  further,  he  meekly  fol- 
lowed. Here  and  there  he  began  to  exhort,  the  Holy  Ghost  lead- 
ing him  in  thought  and  word. 

HIS   CALL   TO    THE    MINISTRY 

Presently  his  class  recognized  his  divine  call  as  well  as  he, 
and  gladly  recommended  him  to  preach.  He  was  licensed  in  1848, 
and  he  was  sent  with  S.  Dickover  to  the  extensive  Elkhart  Cir- 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

cuit,  with  appointments  25-30  miles  apart,  requiring  300  miles 
traveling  on  one  romicl.  They  traveled  entirely  on  horseback, 
which  was  tedious  and  hard,  both  on  man  and  beast.  In  one  year 
Uphaus  had  four  horses.  He  said,  "The  first  got  lame,  the  second 
had  a  leader  cut  in  a  hind  foot,  the  third  became  stiff,  and  the 
fourth  endured  to  the  end  of  the  first  year."  Yet  he  had  courage 
and  faith,  and  God  always  helped.  Victory  followed  in  the  wake 
of  his  labors,  and  souls  were  converted.  In  '49  he  was  returned 
with  G.  G.  Platz  as  Presiding  Elder,  In  '50  he  was  sent  to  Dubois 
Circuit  with  Fr.  Wiethaup  as  colleague.  These  were  years  of 
blessing.  In  '51  he  was  sent  to  St.  Mary's  Circuit  with  Peter 
Burgener.  This  field  embraced  a  territory  from  Williams  Co.,  0., 
south  of  Celina,  0.,  and  to  Jay  Co.,  Ind.,  thence  into  Adams  and 
Wells  Cos.,  and  on  up  to  Lima,  Ind.  He  reports,  "That  in  Wells 
Co.,  at  Gottschalks  or  Sullens,  he  preached  on  a  Sunday  in  a  barn 
of  Mr.  Sauers,  who  owTied  the  farm  on  which  the  Salem  Church 
now  stands.  Before  preaching  Sauer  informed  him  that  he  could 
not  allow  him  to  preach  any  more  on  his  place.  After  preaching 
Uphaus  asked  "if  any  one  was  present  who  would  open  his  house 
for  some  preaching."  A  Mr.  Krepp,  y->  mile  east  of  the  present 
Salem  Church,  offered  his  place.  Here  was  the  beginning  of  the 
old  Newville,  now  Linn  Grove  Circuit,  work. 

In  '52  Uphaus  became  a  charter  member  of  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference. He  remained  28  years  in  active  work  in  this  Conference, 
when,  by  illness  of  his  wife,  he  was  compelled  to  locate.  He  served 
the  following  fields  in  the  Indiana  Conference :  '52-3,  Marshall 
Circuit;  '53-4,  Dubois  Circuit;  '54-5,  Fulton  Circuit;  '55-6,  Ber- 
rien; '56-7,  DeKalb;  '57-9,  Newville;  '59-61,  St.  Mary's;  '61-3,  De- 
fiance Mission;  '63-4,  Fulton  again;  '64-6,  Yellow  River;  '66-8, 
Waupecong  (now  Bunker  Hill);  '68-70,  Greenville;  '70-1,  Celina; 
'71-4,  Warrenton  (now  Elberfeld)  ;  '74-5,  W.  Salem;  '75-6.  Green- 
ville again,  when  he  located. 

Uphaus  was  naturally  of  a  quiet,  timid  and  reserved  disposi- 
tion. He  was  very  conscientious  in  his  dealings  with  his  fellow- 
men.  When  he  felt  called  to  preach  he  cheerfully  yielded.  His 
humble  nature  made  him  keenly  sensible  of  his  unworthiness  and 
inability  to  preach  without  divine  help.  He  felt  the  grave  respon- 
sibility of  the  Gospel  ministry,  but  he  bravely  took  up  the  w^ork 
amidst  the  numerous  hardships  which  he  encountered  in  the  fron- 
tier life.  He  had  a  unique  delivery,  beginning  slowly  and  thought- 
fully, working  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  his  right  hand  in  a  semi- 
circular motion  in  the  palm  of  his  left  hand,  until  he  was  well 
started,  then,  catching  the   inspiration,  he  would  suddenly  burst 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

forth  with  a  loud  and  thrilling  tone  on  a  few  significant  words, 
then  he  w^ould  come  down  again,  as  if  to  get  a  new  inspiring 
thought. 

His  preaching,  though  sometimes  somewhat  tedious,  was  gen- 
erally unctuous  and  effective.  He  was  a  staunch  Christian.  To 
know  him  was  to  love  him.  In  his  old  age  his  presence  in  divine 
service  was  an  inspiration  to  his  pastor  and  people.  He  never 
missed  a  service  unless  unavoidable.  His  kindly  and  fatherly 
admonitions  came  as  a  benediction.  He  was  a  true  pillar  in  the 
church.  His  usual  posture,  while  listening  to  the  sermon,  was 
that  of  leaning  forward  with  bowed  head.  When  the  sermon  be- 
came warm  and  interesting  he  would  straighten  up,  look  directly 
at  the  preacher,  taking,  as  it  were,  the  words  from  his  lips  as  fast 
as  they  were  spoken. 

It  was  reported  of  him  that  at  one  time  he  rode  to  a  house  to 
make  a  pastoral  visit.  He  dismounted,  tied  the  horse  to  a  post  and 
approached  the  house.  Looking  at  the  door  he  saw  a  number  of 
women  quilting  and  talking.  He  excused  himself,  retreated 
hastily,  mounted  his  horse  and  ordered  it  to  go  on.  The  horse 
could  not  go,  for  it  was  tied.  He  nervously  dismounted  to  loosen 
his  horse,  to  the  great  amusement  of  the  women,  and  to  his  great 
embarrassment. 

The  brethren  J.  J.  Wise,  F.  L.  Snyder,  M.  W.  Sunderman  and 
J.  Wetzel  of  a  sister  Church  assisted  C.  W.  Spangler,  pastor,  in  the 
funeral  service. 


ANSON  VAN  CAMP   (1860-1909) 

Anson  was  born  in  Allen  Co.,  Ind.,  Feb.  13th,  '60,  where  he 
grew  to  manhood,  having  received  a  common  school  education. 
He  was  brought  under  the  power  of  the  Gospel  by  the  labors  of 
J.  E.  Stoops,  while  pastor  at  Decatur,  in  '86,  and  was  converted 
and  united  with  the  Church  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  By 
trade  he  was  a  millwright  and  owned  a  grist-mill  in  Decatur,  and 
also,  later  on,  was  proprietor  of  a  foundry. 

In  the  church  he  was  active,  filling  the  office  of  Sunday-school 
superintendent,  class-leader  and  trustee,  and  was  adapted  to  lead- 
ership in  the  church.  In  '97  he  was  licensed  by  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference as  a  probationer;  however,  he  never  took  up  the  active 
work,  preaching  only  occasionally  in  his  home  church.  His  de- 
parture took  place  at  Decatur,  1909,  where  his  body  also  is  in- 
terred. 

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LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 
GEORGE  W.  WALES   (1844-1870) 

As  the  youngest  son  of  a  local  preacher,  a  George  Wales, 
George,  Jr.,  was  born  October  24th,  1844,  in  Sandusky  Co.,  Ohio. 
With  his  parents  he  came  to  Fulton  Co.,  Indiana,  in  1848.  His 
parents  being  Evangelicals,  gave  him  a  careful  training  according 
to  our  belief,  and  at  the  age  of  thirteen  v^as  converted,  united 
with  the  church,  and  earnestly  endeavored  to  live  a  godly  life. 

He  felt  and  recognized  the  call  of  God  to  preach,  and  with 
this  conviction  went  to  the  Indiana  Conference  session,  held  in 
Dayton,  O.,  Sept.,  1867,  when  he  was  licensed  as  preacher  on 
probation,  and,  with  P.  Roth,  was  assigned  to  Greenville  Cir- 
cuit. In  1868  he  was  assigned  with  A.  Parker  to  DeKalb  Circuit, 
and  in  1869  to  E.  Germantown.  Immediately  after  this  Confer- 
ence session  he  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Ackerman,  and  then  went 
with  her  upon  his  new  field. 

Soon  after  this  he  was  overtaken  with  a  severe  malady  and 
became  very  weak,  but  convalesced  sufficiently  to  resume  his  work. 
But  the  latter  part  of  Jan.,  1870,  he  became  so  seriously  affected 
that  he  was  necessitated  to  resign  his  work.  With  his  wife  he 
came  to  Kendallville  to  his  father-in-law,  where  he  rapidly  de- 
clined, and  died  March  10  in  great  peace.  He  had  a  desire  to  be 
restored,  but  when  the  doctor  told  him  he  could  not  survive  he 
was  not  afraid,  but  desired  to  go  home  to  God.  Sunday,  the  13th, 
his  funeral  service  was  held  by  Jos.  Fisher.  Text,  Isa.  60 :  20.  He 
was  survived  by  his  young  wife,  mother,  brothers  and  sisters. 


WILLIAM  WESSELER   (1813-1894) 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Osnabrueck,  Hanover, 
Germany,  March  1st,  1813.  He  obtained  catechetical  and  biblical 
instruction  in  the  Lutheran  Church.  A  good  foundation  was  thus 
laid  for  a  religious  life,  and  he  was  duly  confirmed  and  received 
into  the  church.  In  '35  he  came  to  America,  settling  first  in  Bal- 
timore, Md.,  where  he  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Katherin  E. 
Ottig,  whom  he  also  married.  Eighteen  months  later  they  moved 
to  Louisville,  Ky.,  where  he  remained  a  short  time,  afterward  mov- 
ing to  Huntingburg,  Indiana,  upon  land  purchased  from  the  Gov- 
ernment. 

HIS  CONVERSION 

Rev.  Jacob  Trometer,  having  moved  to  this  place  from  Ohio 
in  '41,  began  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  a  wonderful  work  of  grace 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

broke  out  as  a  result.  Brother  Wesseler  was  among  the  early  set- 
tiers  that  came  under  his  preaching,  was  converted  and  united 
with  the  Evangelical  Association.  He  became  one  of  the  charter 
members  of  the  Huntingburg  Church,  and  at  the  Semi-centennial 
Jubilee  of  the  society  he  was  present  and  participated  in  the  festiv- 
ities. He,  with  Rev.  F.  Wiethaup,  Father  Elendorf  and  Mother 
Koch,  were  the  only  remaining  charter  members. 

HIS  CALL  TO  PREACH  AND  HIS  MINISTRY 

Soon  after  his  conversion  the  call  of  God  to  preach  was  dis- 
tinctly heard.  He  yielded  to  the  call  and  found  great  joy  in  pro- 
claiming the  Gospel  message  to  his  fellow-men.  He  was  duly  rec- 
ommended by  the  Huntingburg  society  and  licensed  by  the  Indiana 
Conference  to  preach.  He  received  his  license  in  '55,  and  was  at 
the  same  time  received  into  the  itinerancy,  and  gave  13  years  to 
the  active  work.  He  served  the  following  fields  of  labor:  '55,  Du- 
bois Circuit;  '56,  Warrenton ;  '57-58,  Clay  Co.  Mission;  '59-60, 
Carmi  Circuit;  '61-62,  Olney;  '63-64,  Vandalia;  '65-66,  Hunting- 
burg; '67-68,  Cumberland.  In  Sept.,  '69,  he  located,  his  wife  hav- 
ing died  during  the  year.  He  was  ordained  deacon,  Sept.,  '56,  and 
elder,  '59. 

HIS    END 

In  '81  he  moved  to  Olney,  111.,  where  he  was  married  a  second 
time  to  Margaret  Bower.  In  '90  she  died  also.  Then  he  removed 
to  Evansville,  Indiana,  to  spend  his  remaining  days  with  his  chil- 
dren. A  restful  and  peaceful  home  was  afforded  him  by  his  chil- 
dren, Christophel  and  Henry,  who  cared  for  him  until  his  end. 
Following  a  sunstroke,  he  becarhe  helpless  and  needed  constant  at- 
tention until  his  release,  which  came  May  6th,  '94.  Five  sons  and 
one  daughter  survived  him.  His  pastor.  Rev.  B.  Schuermeier,  had 
charge  of  the  funeral,  while  J.  M.  Haug,  his  Presiding  Elder, 
preached  the  sermon.    His  text  was  Luke  2:  29-31. 

Brother  Wesseler  was  a  highly  respected  citizen  and  a  loyal 
member  of  the  church.  As  a  preacher  "he  was  successful,  and  had 
special  gifts  in  working  with  penitent  souls.  Many  downcast  pen- 
itents were  lifted  by  him  to  hopefulness,  and  were  led  to  the  foun- 
tain of  divine  grace  and  forgiveness.  His  preaching  was  instruc- 
tive and  unctuous.  He  had  the  ability  to  illustrate  his  sermons 
with  parables  and  object-lessons  from  nature.  He  also  had  the 
gift  of  song,  which  proved  a  great  asset  to  his  work  in  revival 
meetings." 

306 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

He  endured  some  sore  trials.  At  one  time,  when  appointed  to 
a  new  charge,  he  refused  to  go,  and  allowed  himself  utterances 
concerning  the  stationing  committee  that  were  unbecoming,  and 
for  which  he  was  censured.  He  also  endured  physical  hardships, 
such  as  were  common  to  pioneer  workers.  On  one  of  his  itine- 
raries he  was  violently  thrown  from  his  buggy,  which  resulted  in 
a  life-long  injury.  At  another  time,  while  serving  Camp  Creek 
Circuit,  he  got  lost  on  the  prairie  during  a  severe  snow-storm,  and 
came  very  nearly  being  frozen  to  death  before  he  found  his  desti- 
nation. 


FREDERICK  WIETHAUP    (1813-1897) 

Synopsis :  Born  in  Brauerschaft,  Krefinghausen,  Hanover, 
Germany,  Dec.  15,  1813.  Died  in  Huntingburg,  Ind.,  Feb.  26, 
1897.  Buried  in  Huntingburg  Cemetery.  Converted  Nov.  7,  1842. 
Licensed  by  Huntingburg  Quarterly  Conference,  Aug.,  1846.  Re- 
ceived by  Illinois  Conference  at  its  next  session.  Ordained  as  dea- 
con in  1849,  and  as  elder  in  1851.  Married  in  1853  to  Mrs.  Schroe- 
der,  a  widow,  who  preceded  him  in  death. 

He  was  reared  and  confirmed  in  the  Lutheran  faith,  receiving 
along  with  his  general  education  catechetical  instruction.  In  '37, 
at  the  age  of  24  years,  he  came  to  America,  and  located  in  Louis- 
ville, Ky.  In  '38  he  moved  into  the  wilds  near  Huntingburg,  Ind., 
where  he  w^orked  among  the  farmers,  until  he  entered  the  active 
ministry  in  the  Evangelical  Association. 

HIS  CONVERSION 

In  the  spring  of  '41,  Rev.  Jacob  Trometer,  a  local  preacher, 
possessed  of  a  great  passion  for  souls,  moved  into  this  neighbor- 
hood from  Ohio  to  look  after  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  people. 
He  was  the  only  minister  in  this  new  country.  The  people  had 
alm.ost  totally  drifted  into  Sabbath  desecration,  and  were  in  sore 
need  of  the  Gospel.  Doors  were  soon  opened  to  him,  and  the  peo- 
ple came  to  hear  him  who  preached  in  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  They  were  awakened  and  saw  the  error  of  their  ways  and 
were  led  to  deep  repentance  and  unto  salvation.  Bro.  Wiethaup 
was  the  first  convert.  He  said,  "I  became  enlightened  and  fully 
realized  my  sinfulness,  and  began  searching  the  Scripture  for  the 
'truth.'  "  Soon  he  was  gloriously  converted  and  experienced  what 
is  meant  by  "being  born  again."  This,  then,  was  the  beginning' 
of  our  work  in  and  around  Huntingburg. 

307 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

In  '43  the  Ohio  Conference,  having  heard  of  the  work  done 
here  under  Trometer,  sent  Chr.  Lintner  and  A.  Nicolai  as  mission- 
aries. Upon  their  arrival  the  members  were  organized  into  a  class. 
Wiethaup  was  one  of  the  charter  members. 

HIS   CALL   TO   PREACH,   AND    MINISTRY 

He  at  once  took  an  active  interest  in  the  class  and  her  spir- 
itual development.  The  cause  of  immortal  souls  was  heavily  laid 
upon  his  heart,  and  he  more  clearly  recognized  the  call  of  God  to 
go  forth  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel.  The  class-members  also  be- 
came convinced  of  this  fact  and,  therefore,  recommended  him  as  a 
suitable  person  to  preach.  He  did  not  apply  for  active  work  at 
once,  but  in  Nov.,  '46,  A.  B.  Schafer,  P.  E.,  appointed  him  to  Mt. 
Carmel  Circuit  in  Illinois  to  aid  the  preacher-in-charge. 

He  proved  himself  a  worthy  servant.  In  June,  '47,  in  com- 
pany with  Phil.  Bretsch,  he  attended  the  Illinois  Conference  ses- 
sion, held  in  Naperville,  111.  Here  he  was  taken  into  the  itine- 
rancy and  assigned  to  Elkhart  Circuit,  with  G.  G.  Platz  as  Pre- 
siding Elder.  In  reference  to  this  appointment  he  said,  "It  was 
a  pleasure  to  be  a  traveling  minister,  with  over  30  appointments 
in  12  counties."  Only  a  full  consecration  to  God  for  service  and 
a  constraining  love  for  souls  could  bring  pleasure  into  such  ardu- 
ous pioneer  work.  He  also  said,  "The  Lord  was  with  us  and  gave 
us  now  and  then  great  success." 

Wiethaup  was  a  successful  frontier  worker.  He  was  a  master 
of  the  Scripture,  almost  knowing  the  Bible  by  heart.  He  had  a 
splendid  memory  and  could  quote  Scripture  as  but  few  could.  He 
could  beautify  his  sermons  and  make  them  more  effective  by  re- 
citing poetry  very  appropriately.  His  sermons  consisted  largely 
of  Scriptural  citations  and  poetry  so  aptly  and  logically  put  to- 
gether, that  deep  and  pungent  conviction  seized  and  led  sinners  to 
repentance  and  salvation,  and  greatly  strengthened  the  believers. 
It  was  said  of  him  "that  his  equal  in  memorizing  and  quoting 
Scriptures  correctly  was  scarcely  to  be  found  in  the  church.  He 
was  a  man  full  of  faith,  courage,  perseverance  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost.  ,  The  committee  on  memorials  said  of  him,  "He  was  a  man 
of  unwavering  fidelity  and  trust  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  always 
at  his  post  and  ready  for  work." 

He  served  the  following  fields :  In  the  Illinois  Conference : 
Mt.  Carmel,  '46-7;  Elkhart  Circuit,  '47-8;  St.  Mary's  Mission, 
'48-9;  DeKalb  Circuit,  '49-50;  Dubois  Circuit,  50-2.  In  the  In- 
diana Conference:  Mt.  Carmel,  '52-3;  Evansville,  '53-5;  Newville, 
'55-7;  Fulton,  '57-8;  Yellow  River,  '58-60;  E.  Germantown,  '60-1; 

308 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

Dayton  Station,  '61-3;  Huntingburg-,  '63-5;  Warrenton,  '65-7;  In- 
dianapolis, '67-8;  Evansville  again,  '68-70;  Huntingburg  again, 
'70-2.  He  now  located,  due  to  impaired  health.  But  in  '76  he  took 
up  work  again  in  the  new  South  Indiana  Conference,  and  was  as- 
signed to  Rockport,  which  he  served  V/y  years,  and  Huntingburg 
again  for  i/>  year. 

Having  no  heirs,  he  remembered  the  church  in  his  will,  be- 
queathing $600  to  the  General  Missionary  Society ;  $100  to  benevo- 
lent work;  $100  for  a  new  church  in  Huntingburg,  Ind.,  and  the 
rest,  after  all  expenses  were  paid,  was  to  be  given  to  the  mission 
work  in  Germany  and  Japan.  He  died  peacefully.  H.  Schleucher, 
pastor,  and  C.  F.  Hansing,  P.  E.,  officiated  at  his  funeral. 


SOLOMON  WILDERMUTH   (1820-1897) 

Father  Wildermuth  was  born  in  Fairfield  Co.,  0.,  Dec,  1820, 
and  died  Sept.  12,  1897,  in  Fulton  Co.,  Ind.,  and  his  body  was  in- 
terred in  the  Salem  Cemetery  in  the  southern  part  of  the  county. 
In  1843  he  was  married  to  Emily  Miller,  with  whom  he  lived  over 
50  years.  In  1864  they  moved  to  Fulton  Co.,  Ind.,  on  a  farm,  about 
12  miles  south  of  Rochester. 

At  the  age  of  19  years  Solomon  came  under  the  special  in- 
fluence of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  in  a  Methodist  meeting,  and  was 
gloriously  converted.  He  then  united  with  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation, and  remained  a  true,  loyal  and  faithful  member  of  it  for 
over  57  years.  He  led  a  pious  and  devoted  Christian  life,  always 
letting  his  light  shine  at  home  and  abroad  for  Christ,  everywhere 
exerting  a  strong  and  helpful  influence. 

Recognizing  and  heeding  the  divine  call  to  preach,  he  was  rec- 
ommended by  his  class  in  Fairfield  Co.,  Ohio,  to  the  Ohio  Confer- 
ence of  1859  for  license,  which  the  Conference  granted  him.  He 
never  entered  the  active  ministry,  yet  he  was  engaged  as  a  local 
preacher  until  his  eyesight  became  defective.  When  he  preached 
he  did  so  with  zeal  and  unction  and  general  satisfaction.  It  was 
said  of  him  "that  he  was  a  faithful  attendant  at  public  serv- 
ices as  often  as  it  was  possible.  His  presence  was  a  source  of  in- 
spiration to  pastor  and  people.  He  had  a  patriarchal  bearing,  and 
was  often  called  "the  Bishop"  among  the  local  preachers.  His 
prayers  and  exhortations  were  attended  with  power. 

On  the  Sunday  morning  of  his  death,  while  out  on  the  veranda, 
being  ready  for  Sunday-school,  he  conversed  on  religion  with  his 
son-in-law,  Rev.  Bernetty.    "He  had  just  expressed  himself,  in  his 

309 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

decisive  manner,  upon  the  prime  and  essential  duty  of  Christians 
to  exert  a  right  influence,  and  to  let  their  lights  shine  at  home," 
He  said  "when  this  was  well  done  it  would  be  more  effectual  than 
profuse  professions  of  great  attainments,  and  such  could  then  with 
grace  go  out  into  the  world  and  commend  the  salvation  of  God 
to  the  world."  After  a  short  silence  he  began  to  lean  back  as  if  to 
rest,  when  his  spirit  took  its  flight.  He  often  had  expressed  him- 
self as  being  ready  to  die  whenever  it  was  the  Lord's  will.  He 
was  a  man  of  rich  experiences  and  clear  and  decided  convictions. 
He  was  survived  by  his  wife,  one  brother,  four  sons,  one  of 
whom  is  William,  a  minister  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  and  four 
daughters.  Three  daughters  preceded  him  in  death.  D.  S.  Oakes 
conducted  the  funeral  and  preached  the  sermon,  assisted  by  Revs. 
Wales,  Metzner  and  Bernetty. 


CHRISTIAN  WESSLING   (1827-1909) 

Rev.  John  Henry  Gottlieb  Christian  Wessling  was  born  in  Ku- 
tenhausen.  Province  Westphalen,  Germany,  July  23,  1827.  His 
father's  name  was  Frederick,  and  his  mother's  maiden  name,  Mary 
Elizabeth  Wiese,  of  Hallen.  Christian,  as  he  was  commonly  called, 
was  the  oldest  child.  Of  his  boyhood  days  he  says,  "I  was  very 
wild,  so  mischievous  that  I  often  was  whipped  by  mother  and  in 
school,  not  for  indolence,  but  for  foolish  doings."  He  had  to,  at 
first,  be  driven  to  school ;  learning  went  very  hard,  but  after  awhile 
became  easy,  and  school  life  was  a  delight.  His  father  taught  him 
Sundays  to  read  and  work  problems.  At  eleven  years  he  often 
stood  at  the  head  of  300  scholars.  He  memorized  easily.  At  twelve 
years  he  attended  a  newly  established  school  near  home,  where  he 
continued  to  lead  his  classes.  He  also  received  catechetical  instruc- 
tion in  Minden,  in  the  Marier  society,  and  on  Easter,  1842,  he  was 
confirmed  with  seventy-one  others.  Rev.  Mensing  gave  him  as  a 
remembrance  thought,  "Through  your  lifetime  keep  God  before 
your  eyes  and  in  your  heart;  watch,  that  you  may  not  consent  to 
any  sin,  nor  transgress  any  of  God's  commands." 

His  parents  were  farmers.  At  the  age  of  eleven  C.  had  to 
work  on  the  farm.  His  father  died  in  1842,  leaving  the  work  of 
farming  largely  to  him.  His  father  purposed  to  educate  him.  for 
a  school  teacher,  but,  owing  to  his  lingering  illness  and  death,  the 
plan  failed.  Owing  to  his  illness  and  other  expenses,  the  small 
farm  became  encumbered  and,  moreover,  young  Christian,  becom- 
ing afraid  of  having  to  become  pious  in  order  to  become  a  school 

310 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

teacher,  refrained  from  fitting  himself  for  this  work.  Mother 
rented  the  land,  and,  to  his  delight,  hired  him  to  a  farmer  for  one 
year.  After  his  mother's  remarriage  he  returned  home,  but  left 
again  in  the  fall  of  1843  for  Brake,  at  Dortmus,  ninety  miles  away, 
and  hired  out  to  Geo.  Bier.  Eighteen  months  later  he  returned 
home  to  learn  the  carpenter  trade,  but  his  mother  objected,  owing 
to  his  youthfulness,  and  to  the  fact  that  his  father  ruined  his 
health  at  this  trade.  He  then  became  hod-carrier,  and  the  fol- 
lowing spring  an  apprentice  in  stone-cutting,  at  which  he  con- 
tinued one  year  at  12  cents  per  day.  There  being  an  abundance 
of  work  on  the  Koelner-Mindener  Railroad,  he  worked  for  this 
company  for  three  shillings  per  day.  He  was  now  twenty-one 
years  old.  Incessant  work  w^eek  days  and  Sundays  made  him  very 
sick,  that  on  a  Monday  he  thought  he  would  die.  To  his  sickness 
was  added  the  anxiety  for  his  soul,  believing  he  would  be  lost  if  he 
should  die.  He  prayed  God  to  spare  his  life,  but  toward  evening 
the  fear  of  death  reaching  its  zenith,  he  vowed  to  God,  if  he  would 
.spare  his  life,  he  would  do  better.  That  night  he  dreamed  he  was 
dying;  he  felt  death  begin  on  his  big  toes  and  creep  up  higher  and 
higher  until  he  felt  himself  dead.  After  death  he  saw  himself  clad 
in  white,  within  a  big  building  with  a  long  hallway,  in  which  he 
walked  to  a  place  where,  on  his  right,  a  door  stood  ajar  about  four 
inches.  Inside  was  a  large  room  with  an  inconceivably  glorious, 
golden  chandelier;  but  he  could  not  enter.  Depressed,  he  came 
back,  and  came  to  a  wide  open  door,  and  leaned  on  the  left  door- 
post. The  floor  of  the  room,  to  which  this  door  entered,  was  six 
or  seven  feet  below  where  he  stood.  The  room  was  thronged  with 
people,  encircled  with  flames  of  fire,  with  Satan  between  them  with 
a  big  fork  mixing  up  people  and  fire.  Astonished  he  stood  for  a 
good  while,  looking  on  this  awful  scene,  then  decided  to  go  home 
and  tell  his  people  to  repent  that  they  would  not  come  into  this 
place  of  woe.  Arriving  at  home  he  met  his  mother  and  a  neigh- 
bor woman  in  the  yard,  and  began  narrating  his  experience,  ex- 
horting them  to  turn  to  the  Lord  that  they  might  escape  this  ter- 
rifying place.  While  telling  his  experience  he  awoke  from  his 
dream. 

Though  it  was  but  a  dream,  it  made  such  a  deep  impression  on 
his  mind  that  he  was  constantly  disturbed  within.  His  sickness 
was  now  under  control ;  he  quickly  recovered.  From  now  on  he 
prayed  daily  before  sleeping,  but  lacked  strength  to  sever  his  con- 
nection with  frivolous  men.  Evenings  he  vowed  to  do  better  the 
next  day,  only  to  repeat  his  previous  day's  sinning.  Amidst  the 
worldly  pleasures  a  voice  within  said :  "You,  you,  what  are  you  do- 

311 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ing  again?"  This  continued  until  the  beginning  of  February, 
1848,  when  he,  with  other  young  men,  went  to  a  spinning  party  to 
escort  the  young  ladies  home.  But  at  7:30  P.  M.  the  party  re- 
sorted to  the  threshing  floor  for  a  dance,  in  which  he  also  in- 
dulged. This  occurrence  made  a  deep  negative  impression  on  him. 
He  withdrew,  seated  himself  in  a  dark  place  of  a  room,  and  again 
a  voice  said:  "What  kind  of  a  fool  are  you?  You  should  know  that 
you  need  a  change  of  life.  You  promised  your  life  to  God,  and  here 
you  bring  terrible  self-accusation  upon  yourself."  A  fearful  re- 
bellion arose  in  him,  but  he  now  resolved  to  become  a  new  man,  to 
disassociate  with  the  ungodly  and  mingle  with  the  pious.  Present- 
ly the  dancers  came  in  where  he  was.  He  told  them  his  resolve, 
saying  that  they  all  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  their  doings,  and  that 
this  was  the  last  time  that  he  would  be  with  them,  but  they  only 
laughed  him  to  scorn. 

Monday,  on  the  w^ay  to  his  work,  he  saw  the  stone-cutter,  Mr. 
Krumme,  a  pious  man,  whom  Wessling  previously  avoided  on  ac- 
count of  his  piety,  but  this  morning  he  waited  when  he  saw  Mr. 
Krumme  coming  towards  him.  After  the  usual  salutation,  Wess- 
ling was  asked  by  Krumme  if  he  was  not  willing  to  be  converted. 
This  question  smote  him  deeply;  he  could  not  answer.  Krumme 
repeated  the  question  with  greater  effect,  and  again  a  third  time, 
after  which  W.  earnestly  answered,  "Yes !"  Mr.  Krumme  then 
told  him  to  pray.  From  then  on  Wessling  associated  with  the  be- 
lievers, visited  their  meetings,  made  it  his  rule  to  kneel  and  pray 
before  retiring  and  after  rising.  In  the  two  and  one-half  years 
that  he  was  yet  at  home  he  never  neglected  this  duty.  He  ex- 
pected God  to  answer  at  once  and  give  him  a  new  heart,  but  the 
more  he  prayed  the  heavier  became  the  load  of  sin,  often  almost 
unbearable.  One  evening  he  visited,  on  the  way  home  from  work 
with  Krumme,  a  sick  sister.  After  arriving  at  home  he  found 
that  his  parents  had  retired  for  the  night.  Mother  had  placed  his. 
supper  on  the  table  for  him.  He  sat  down,  and,  as  usual,  wanted 
to  pray,  when  a  voice  said  to  him,  "You  need  not  pray  now,  as  no 
one  sees  you."  A  great  struggle  began ;  his  hair  seemed  to  stand 
on  end;  the  house  seemed  full  of  evil  spirits,  but  he  prayed.  He 
firmly  believed  if  he  had  yielded  to  the  voice  he  would  have  been 
crippled  in  his  conversion. 

Soon  after  this  he  was  urged  by  former  society  members  to 
meet  with  them  at  a  specified  place  to  indulge  in  drinking,  eating 
and  smoking.  He  told  them  that  he  served  the  devil  long  enough; 
"if  you  want  to  serve  him  you  can."  A  few  days  later  a  counsel 
was  held ;  the  society  resolved  that  he  must  pay  fifty  cents'  fine 

312 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

and  take  back  his  insinuation  that  they  served  the  devil.  He  told 
them  if  they  can  prove  the  contrary  with  what  they  do,  he  would 
pay  his  fine.  They  then  expelled  him  from  their  society  and  re- 
fused to  aid  him  in  work.  When  he  left  them  a  voice  said  to  him, 
"You  renounced  the  devil,  the  world  cast  you  out,  and  God  has 
not  accepted  you,  and  you  are  now  rejected  by  everybody."  This 
cost  him  a  great  conflict.  He  became  for  a  while  unconscious  of 
himself,  but  when  consciousness  returned  he  was  determined,  even 
though  God  would  not  accept  him,  not  to  serve  the  devil.  Then 
followed  a  blessed  joy  in  his  heart,  and  he  said,  "If  I  had  under- 
stood it,  this  would  have  been  the  moment  of  my  acceptance."  He 
continued  praying.  On  the  last  Thursday  morning  in  February, 
1848,  the  matter  became  very  serious ;  he  often  knelt,  even  on  the 
way  to  work.  The  last  time  he  wrestled  long  with  God,  when  he 
arose  something  said,  "There  is  no  grace  for  you."  Then  tears  of 
sorrow  and  suffering  flowed  down  his  cheeks,  and,  looking  in 
the  spirit  to  the  cross,  he  said,  "No  one  is  excluded  from  grace; 
why,  then,  should  I  be  excluded?"  Suddenly  came  a  mighty  stream 
of  joy,  with  joyous  weeping,  and  burden  gone,  and  sweet  peace  in 
the  soul.  Ten  days  later  he  heard  a  sermon  read  on  the  charac- 
teristics of  a  true  faith.  This  reconvinced  him  that  he  was  born 
again,  and  was  now  God's  child,  and  that  ten  days  previous  his  sins 
were  pardoned.  Such  a  joy  came  over  him  that  for  awhile  he 
was  not  conscious  of  self.    This  was  the  witness  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 

HIS  CALL  TO  THE  GOSPEL  MINISTRY 

Soon  after  his  conversion  he  had  a  vision  of  the  moral  con- 
dition of  the  people  of  his  homeland.  Suddenly  came  an  inner 
voice,  "Go  and  preach  to  them."  He  was  frightened  and  thought 
the  voice  was  of  the  devil.  He  could  not  believe  it  possible  that  a 
poor,  uneducated  stone-cutter  should  preach  when  there  were  edu- 
cated and  pious  pastors.  He  asked  God  to  deliver  him  of  this  de- 
lusion, but  the  thought  re-echoed  in  him,  "You  go  and  preach  to 
them."  He  kept  praying  for  deliverance,  fearing  he  might  be- 
come proud,  but  the  more  he  prayed  the  mightier  the  call  to  preach. 
On  a  Saturday  afternoon,  when  he  and  Krumme  parted  for  home, 
Krumme  said  to  Wessling,  "I  have  something  important  to  tell 
you.  There  are  so  few  that  work  for  the  conversion  of  the  world 
that  I  believe  it  is  God's  will  that  you  should  yield  yourself  for 
missionary  work."  Wessling  felt  hit  as  by  lightning  and  deeply 
thought  the  matter  over,  then  concluded  that  these  thoughts  might 
not  be  of  the  devil  after  all.  When  he  got  home  his  parents  were 
in  the  harvest  field.     Having  the  house  alone,  he  locked  the  door, 

313 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

entered  a  room  upstairs,  with  the  thought  not  to  arise  from  his 
knees  until  God  answered  whether  this  impression  was  from  him 
or  of  the  devil.  He  renewed  his  consecration  to  God,  prayed  long, 
finally  arose,  walked  to  and  fro,  considered  the  struggles  and  temp- 
tations he  had  already  passed  through,  and  wondered  if  he  must 
continue  in  uncertainties.  Again  he  fell  on  his  knees,  a  second 
and  then  a  third  time,  until  suddenly  a  mighty  conviction  seized 
him  that  the  Lord  really  wanted  him  to  preach.  The  words  of 
Jeremiah  came  to  him,  chapter  1 :  6,  7.    He  now  felt  right. 

What  to  do  next  he  knew  not.  He  counseled  with  his  friend 
Krumme,  then  he  went  to  see  his  enlightened,  if  not  converted 
pastor,  and  told  him  his  experience.  He  befriended  Wessling  and 
applied  for  him  to  the  Rheine  Missionary  Society,  and  later  ar- 
ranged to  have  Wessling  come  to  him  one  hour  at  noon  each  day 
for  Scriptural  instruction.  This  continued  for  some  time  without 
his  parents'  knowledge,  until  they  found  out  through  other  people. 
One  day  his  mother  wept,  saying,  "You  want  to  leave  me  and  go 
into  the  heathen  world ;  God  grant  me  to  die  before  you  go,"  upon 
which  he  tried  to  comfort  her.  He  had  to  write  a  sketch  of  his 
life  to  the  missionary  society,  and  all  was  ready  in  the  fall  of  1850 
for  him  to  be  received  into  the  society  for  training. 

At  this  time  war  threatened  to  break  out  between  Austria  and 
Prussia.  He  had  to  enlist  as  a  soldier  and  was  sworn  in  August 
18,  1850.  At  this  time  his  mother  took  sick  and  soon  died  in  peace. 
About  eighteen  months  after  his  conversion  he  discovered  a  moral 
weakness  (anger),  caused  by  the  breaking  of  a  stone  when  nearly 
done.  He  felt  the  need  of  more  grace,  and  complete  deliverance 
from  worldly  affections.  He  watched  over  his  tendencies, 
thoughts,  desires,  feelings  and  wished  to  be  entirely  sanctified. 
He  could  not  tell  just  when  it  was  done,  but  he  knew  he  possessed 
perfect  love. 

On  the  day  he  was  sworn  in  as  a  soldier  he  was  encamped 
with  others  in  the  Weingarden  of  Minden.  Most  of  the  soldiers 
were  drunk.  At  bedtime  a  voice  said,  "Kneel  at  the  bed  and  pray." 
"No,"  said  another  voice,  "that  would  be  casting  pearls  before 
swine;  go  down  into  the  yard,  where  a  small  house  stands,  where- 
in you  can  pray."  To  this  idea  he  yielded,  tried  to  pray,  but  failed. 
This  was  the  beginning  of  his  first  backsliding,  though  he  yet 
prayed  every  day.  He  soon  became  a  leader  in  jests.  Two  years 
and  a  half  had  now  been  spent  in  army  life.  He  belonged  to  the 
first  battalion  of  the  National  Police  recruits,  and  marched  over 
Herford,  Dekenold,  etc.,  then  returned,  encamping  in  Bielefeld. 
Here  religious  meetings  were  held  in  tents  which  he  attended,  and 

314 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

evidently  renewed  his  covenant  with  God.  Going  back  to  Minden 
he  took  seriously  sick,  remaining-  so  for  some  time  in  a  hospital, 
"Lazereth."  When  he  had  recovered  he  was,  over  his  protest, 
compelled  to  learn  drumming,  but  never  became  expert  in  it.  In 
the  spring  of  1851,  at  Muenster,  he  became  a  part  of  the  4th  com- 
pany. Here  he  attended  Y.  M.  C.  A.  meetings.  As  he  had  no 
place  where  he  could  be  alone,  he  often  went  into  the  Catholic 
cathedral  to  pray.  The  Lord  helped  him  through  wonderfully. 
The  recruits  were  drilled  by  a  sergeant  who  was  a  drunkard.  His 
associates  often  treated  their  officers,  but  Wessling  renounced  all 
strong  drink  and  would  not,  by  treating,  seek  favors  from  the  offi- 
cer, if  he  could  not  get  them  by  good  conduct.  The  officer  soon 
found  that  in  Wessling  he  had  no  pet,  and  began  to  oppose  him  in 
many  ways  and  abuse  him.  One  day,  after  having  been  insulted 
by  him,  Wessling's  anger  was  aroused.  The  thought  came  to  bay- 
onet the  officer.  He  took  the  weapon  from  off  his  shoulder,  when 
a  voice  said  to  him,  "Do  you  not  know  w^hose  spiritual  child  you 
are?"    He  just  had  time  and  grace  enough  left  to  avoid  murder. 

He  often  suffered  want  at  this  time,  with  the  rest,  crops  hav- 
ing failed.  In  his  distress  he  went  into  a  cellar,  prayed  to  God 
for  aid.  He  had  nothing  to  eat  for  supper.  The  next  morning 
before  drilling  the  paymaster  called  him  and  paid  him  his  wages 
in  advance.  God  answered  his  petition.  Among  the  soldiers  he 
sought  ideas  for  missionary  work,  but,  to  his  sorrow,  found  that 
many  appointees  of  the  Lutheran  Missionary  Institution  were  edu- 
cated, but  not  converted.  xA.fter  two  and  one-half  years'  of  army 
life  he  was  discharged.  Returning  home  he  found  his  step-father 
had  married  and  emigrated  to  America,  so  he  had  no  home.  In 
the  spring  of  1854  W.  went  to  Bremen,  earned  enough  money  dur- 
ing the  summer  to  emigrate  to  America.  After  fifty-three  days' 
voyage  he  arrived  in  New  York,  December  14,  and  went  on  to 
Philadelphia  to  his  step-parents,  where  he  remained  and  worked  in 
an  oil-mill.  In  the  spring  of  1854  he  found  work  as  a  stone-cutter. 
Sundays  he  went  to  Lutheran  churches.  He  was  advised  to  enter 
the  Lutheran  Seminary  and  prepare  for  the  ministry.  Meanwhile 
he  became  acquainted  with  German  Baptists  and  German  Metho- 
dists, but  neither  denomination  suited  him.  His  landlord  next  took 
him  to  the  church  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  North  2nd  Street, 
Philadelphia.  Rev.  J.  M.  Saylor  was  pastor.  Here  he  felt  better 
satisfied.  The  society  had  twelve  classes,  had  much  spiritual  life, 
frequent  shoutings  in  their  prayer-meetings.  This  part  he  did  not 
like  so  well,  believing  it  to  be  fanaticism.  One  Sunday  night  the 
pastor  invited  sinners  to  the  altar.     Many  came.     Wessling  also 

315 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

came,  prayed  earnestly  and  received  a  new  blessing.  He  was  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  the  loudness  in  worship  was  no  longer 
in  his  way.  After  he  got  home  from  this  meeting  he  knelt  and 
asked  God  if  he  should  join  these  people,  and  received  a  clear  evi- 
dence that  he  should,  which  he  did  early  in  1855. 

In  the  spring  the  Conference  was  held  in  the  2nd  Street 
Church,  Philadelphia.  Wessling  applied  for  work,  but  received 
none.  Bishop  J.  Long,  who  held  the  Conference,  wrote  to  Bishop 
J.  Seybert  in  his  behalf,  who  held  the  Indiana  Conference.  Early 
in  May  he  started  for  Colebush,  Mishawaka  Circuit,  where  the 
Indiana  Conference  was  held.  Being  delayed  on  the  way  he  arrived 
too  late  to  enjoy  the  session.  The  stationing  was  ended,  and  he 
was  appointed  assistant  to  Brother  Goetz  on  St.  Mary's  Circuit. 
In  his  heart  he  hoped  he  would  not  be  taken,  he  wished  to  go  to 
Chicago  and  work  at  his  trade  a  few  more  years,  to  earn  enough 
money  to  buy  a  home,  then  serve  the  Lord  with  his  whole  heart. 

St.  Mary's  Circuit  consisted  of  twenty  appointments,  220  miles 
per  round.  He  preached  his  first  sermon  at  Fuhrman's,  on  Gen. 
1 :  28.  Goetz  was  present.  On  the  way  from  church  Goetz  rather 
scornfully  remarked  that  two  preachers  preached  today  without 
the  people  knowing  where  the  text  was.  Wessling  announced  his 
text.  Gen.  28:  1,  instead  of  1:  28.  Wessling  thereupon  stayed 
back,  resolved  to  quit.  After  this  vow  he  hurried  up  to  Goetz, 
saying,  "I  have  decided  to  quit;  I  made  an  effort  to  preach  and 
failed."  Goetz  replied,  "We  don't  give  up  so  quick."  This  inci- 
dent caused  him  many  struggles.  For  hours  he  lay  kneeling  on 
the  ground  in  the  woods  for  God  to  help  him. 

In  1856  he  served  with  Jos.  Fisher  on  Mt.  Carmel  and  Olney. 
They  had  100  conversions.  In  1857-8  he  served  Dubois  Circuit, 
with  M.  Hoehn  in  charge.  His  salary  was  fixed  at  $78.00,  but 
received  $300.00 ;  the  surplus  flowed  into  the  Conference  treasury, 
to  be  divided  among  those  who  fell  short.  In  1859  he  served  Ol- 
ney and  West  Salem  with  good  revivals.  In  1860-61  he  served  San- 
doval, 111.,  and  1861-62,  Camp  Creek.  In  1862-63,  Clay  County 
Mission;  1863-65,  Newville  Circuit  (now  Linn  Grove);  1865-67, 
Van  Wert.  On  a  bitter  cold  day,  six  miles  north  of  Fort  Wayne, 
he  froze  both  his  ears.  He  preached  several  times  in  the  court- 
house of  Fort  Wayne,  but  nothing  was  accomplished.  In  1867-68 
he  served  Warrington  Circuit ;  1869-70,  Lancaster  and  West  Sa- 
lem, where  he  had  many  conversions;  1870-73  he  served  Carmi, 
and  had  m.any  converts ;  1873-6  he  served  Huntingburg.  When  the 
South  Indiana  Conference  was  formed  in  1876  he  united  therewith 
and    served    Huntingburg    until    1877;     West  Salem  again  from 

316 


LIFE  SKETCHES  OF  OUR  DECEASED  MINISTERS 

1878-80,  and  Sandoval  in  1881;  Marshall  in  1882;  Lancaster  in 
1883-84;  Grayville,  1885-86.  His  health  failing,  he  made  a  trip 
to  Galveston,  Texas,  and  other  places.  The  climate  agreeing-  with 
him,  and  after  prayer  to  God  for  direction,  he  felt  assured  that 
he  should  move  to  Texas.  At  the  session  of  the  South  Indiana 
Conference,  Bishop  J.  J.  Esher  appointed  him  to  Henrietta  Mis- 
sion in  Texas.  They  arrived  here  April  1,  1886,  organizing  a  class 
a  few  months  later.  The  old  court-house  was  bought  for  a  church 
and  parsonage.  In  1887  he  bought  land  near  Henrietta,  built  a 
house  on  it  and  moved  in. 

He  was  ordained  deacon  in  1857  at  Dayton,  and  elder  two 
3^ears  later.  In  all  he  served  thirty  years  in  the  active  ministry. 
He  was  a  faithful,  diligent,  conscientious  laborer,  and  had  many 
souls  for  his  hire.  He  died  August  23,  1909,  in  Henrietta ;  was 
married  to  Margaret  Bachman  in  1856,  and  five  daughters  and 
two  sons  were  born  to  them.  He  selected  his  own  funeral  text, 
2  Tim.  4:  7-8.  Rev.  S.  J.  Luehring  preached  at  his  request.  His 
preaching  was  plain,  unctuous  and  effective ;  he  had  no  patience 
with  sham  religion.    He  is  gone  but  not  dead ;  his  works  live  on. 


MICHAEL  ZIMMER   (1817-1891) 

This  brother  was  born  at  Rothbach,  Alsace,  France  (now 
Germany),  Nov.  21,  1817.  He  died  in  Garrett,  Ind.,  very  sudden- 
ly, Aug.  20,  1891,  fully  prepared  for  his  departure.  He  came  to 
America  in  1843,  and  shortly  thereafter  married  Sophia  Hem- 
linger.  He  was  converted  in  1846  in  Mishawaka,  Ind.,  and  was 
one  of  the  first  fruits  of  the  efforts  of  the  Evangelical  ministry  at 
this  place.  They  united  with  the  Evangelical  Association  and  be- 
came active  participants  in  the  work  of  the  church.  In  1855  he 
heard  and  obeyed  the  call  to  preach,  and  obtained  his  recommenda- 
tion from  his  class  and  license  as  preacher  on  probation  by  the  In- 
diana Conference.  He  remained  a  faithful  local  preacher  to  the 
.end.  D.  S.  Oakes,  his  biographer,  said  of  him,  "He  was  an  excep- 
tional, upright  Christian,  exemplifying  the  religion  he  professed. 
He  preached  a  plain  and  sound  Gospel,  rather  seeking  God's  glory 
than  his  own,  and  sought  to  save  men.  His  best  preaching  was 
his  daily  life.  He  was  also  a  liberal  supporter  of  the  church,  espe- 
cially the  missionary  cause,  for  which  he  gave  many  munificent 
contributions,  given  unostentatiously  and  often  with  great  self- 
denial." 

317 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

When  he  moved  to  Garrett,  Ind.,  he  tried  to  work  up  a  class 
of  the  Evangelical  Association  among  the  Germans,  but,  failing 
in  this,  he  finally,  after  long  hesitation,  joined  the  German  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church  at  this  place,  believing  by  so  doing  he  could 
be  more  useful  and  exert  a  better  influence  than  to  ^tand  isolated. 
At  the  annual  session  of  the  Indiana  Conference  of  1887  creden- 
tials were  voted  him  as  local  preacher  by  his  own  request. 

He  was  ready  for  his  sudden  departure.  Saturday  night  he 
retired  as  usual,  but  Sunday  morning  he  was  with  the  redeemed  in 
heaven.  D.  S.  Oakes,  who  was  his  pastor  three  different  times, 
was  called  upon  to  preach  the  funeral  sermon.  He  was  assisted 
by  Revs.  Haas  and  Bauer  of  the  German,  and  Mantz  of  the  Eng- 
lish Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  Garrett.  His  body  was  laid 
to  rest  in  the  cemetery  at  Bremen,  Ind.  He  was  survived  by  his 
wife,  2  sons  and  2  daughters. 


;i8 


INCORPORATION  OF  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Articles  of  Incorporation  of  the  Indiana  Conference. 

In  1861  the  first  steps  for  the  incorporation  of  the  Indiana 
Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Association  were  taken.  G.  G. 
Platz,  Phil.  Bretsch  and  Mich.  Krueger  were  appointed  a  commit- 
tee to  carry  out  the  incorporation  during  the  year. 

At  the  annual  session  of  the  Conference,  held  in  Sept.,  1862^ 
in  East  Germantown,  the  committee,  above  named,  reported  that 
the  incorporation  was  eft'ected  as  follows : 

ARTICLES   OF   INCORPORATION 

We,  the  undersigned  members  of  the  Indiana  Conference  of 
the  Evangelical  Association  of  North  America,  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  ourselves  into  an  incorporate  body,  the  object  of  which 
is  the  promotion  and  furtherance  of  the  religious,  moral,  educa- 
tional and  benevolent  enterprises  of  the  church  and  Conference, 
do  hereby  ordain  and  institute  the  following  articles  of  association : 

Article  I. — This  association  shall  be  denominated  the  In- 
diana Annual  Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Association  of  North 
America. 

Article  II. — The  object  of  this  organization  and  incorpora- 
tion shall  be  the  promotion  of  the  educational  and  benevolent  en- 
terprises of  the  Conference  and  church,  embracing  such  interests 
as  the  missionary  society,  the  educational  institutions,  and  such 
like  interests,  to  receive,  hold  and  manage,  any  money,  land  or 
other  property,  personal  or  real,  purchased  by,  or  donated,  or  be- 
queathed to  said  Conference,  for  this  or  other  religious  and  benev- 
olent objects. 

Article  III. — The  officers  of  this  Conference  shall  be  a  Pres- 
ident, Vice-President,  Secretary  and  a  Treasurer,  who  shall  be 
charged  with  the  duties  usual  to  such  office.  The  Bishop,  presid- 
ing over  the  Annual  Conference,  shall  be  the  President;  the  Vice- 
President  shall  be  elected  annually  by  a  majority  cf  the  members 
present  and  voting;  the  Secretary  shall  be  the  same  elected  ac- 
cording to  the  Discipline  and  usages  of  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion as  Secretary  of  the  Conference ;  the  Treasurer  shall  be  elected 
annually  by  a  majority  of  the  members  present  and  voting;  all  of 
whom  shall  hold  office  until  their  successors  are  chosen  and  quali- 
fied. 

319 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Article  IV. — The  said  Conference  shall  meet  annually,  at 
such  times  and  places,  as  provided  for  in  the  Discipline  of  the 
Evangelical  Association  of  North  America. 

Article  V. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  Secretary  to  make  a 
faithful  record  of  the  doings  of  said  Conference,  to  be  kept  legibly 
in  a  book  of  reference.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer,  if 
required  by  a  vote  of  the  Conference,  to  give  a  bond  for  the  faith- 
ful performance  of  duty.  He  shall  receive  and  hold  all  funds  be- 
longing to  said  Conference,  and  hand  them  over,  or  pay  them  out 
as  said  Conference  may  direct,  to  the  several  departments  thereof. 

Article  VI. — The  members  of  this  association  shall  be  the 
members  in  full  connection  in  said  Indiana  Annual  Conference  of 
the  Evangelical  Association  and  their  successors  in  the  Confer- 
ence membership. 

Article  VII. — The  Conference  aforesaid  shall  have  power  to 
ordain  by-laws  for  their  government,  and  change  them  at  any 
meeting  thereof,  by  a  majority  of  the  members  present  and  voting. 
And  this  Constitution  may  be  changed  at  any  annual  meeting 
thereof  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  membership  present  and  voting. 

According  to  previous  notice  given,  the  following  reverend 
gentlemen  were  elected  by  the  Indiana  Annual  Conference  at  its 
annual  session  in  East  Germantown,  Wayne  Co.,  Indiana,  Rev.  G. 
G.  Platz,  Treasurer. 

It  is  hereby  certified  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true  account  of 
proceedings  in  reference  to  the  election  on  the  day  of  the  above 
date.    Given  under  our  hands  in  Conference  room,  Sept.  17,  1862. 

Joseph  Long,  President. 
Melchior  Mayer,  Secretary. 

The  above  is  a  verbatim  copy  of  the  original,  copied  January 
14,  1878,  by  D.  S.  Oakes,  into  our  Indiana  Conference  Record 
Book.  On  the  back  of  the  original  document  is  the  following: 
"Received  for  Record,  February  10th,  1863,  at  ten  o'clock  A.  M.. 
and  recorded  in  Mortgage  Record,  M.  M.,  Page  206.  A.  G.  Wal- 
lace." 

In  1894,  Article  III  was  revised  to  read  as  follows:  The  offi- 
cers of  the  Conference  shall  be  a  President,  Vice-President,  a  Sec- 
retary, a  Treasurer  and  a  Board  of  Trustees,  consisting  of  five 
members,  who  shall  be  charged  with  their  respective  duties  by 
the  Conference,  usual  to  such  office.  The  Bishop  presiding  over 
the  Conference  shall  be  President.  The  Vice-President  and  Treas- 
urer shall  be  elected  annually  by  a  majority  of  the  members  pres- 
ent and  voting;  the  Secretary  shall  be  the  same  elected  according 

320 


BUSINESS  RULES  OF  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

to  the  Discipline  and  usage  of  the  Evangelical  Association  as  Sec- 
retary of  the  Conference.  The  Board  of  Trustees  shall  be  elected 
for  three  years  by  a  majority  of  the  members  present  and  voting. 
All  of  the  aforesaid  officers  shall  hold  their  office  until  their  suc- 
cessors are  chosen  and  qualified. 


Business  Rules  of  the  Indiana  Conference. 

At  the  first  session  of  the  Conference,  in  1853,  Bishop  J. 
Long,  the  Chairman,  was  appointed  to  draft  a  set  of  rules  govern- 
ing the  business  proceedings  and  conduct  of  the  Conference, 

The  following  rules  were  adopted : 

1.  Each  member  of  the  Conference  shall  throughout  the  ses- 
sion retain  the  seat  chosen  at  the  beginning  of  the  session. 

2.  Any  member  desiring  to  speak  shall  arise,  and  if  there  be 
two  or  more  arise  at  the  same  time,  the  Chair  shall  decide  who 
shall  have  right  to  speak  first. 

3.  No  one  shall  be  interrupted  in  his  remarks,  except  he  de- 
viate from  the  subject  under  discussion,  or  is  thought  to  be  out 
of  order,  which  the  Chairman  or  Conference  shall  determine. 

4.  All  remarks  concerning  members  of  Conference  shall  be 
made  in  the  spirit  of  brotherly  love. 

5.  It  shall  not  be  allowable,  during  sessions,  to  transact  any 
side  business. 

6.  It  shall  not  be  allowed,  for  any  member,  to  absent  him- 
self from  any  session  before  adjournment,  except  he  be  excused. 

1859 
Two  additional  by-laws  were  adopted  this  year  as  follows: 

(a)  That  all  resolutions  must  be  brought  in  writing. 

(b)  That  no  member  of  Conference  shall  use  tobacco  on  the 
Conference  floor. 

1862 
At  the  session  held  in  Germantown,  Sept.,  1862,  the  Busi- 
ness Rules  were  ordered  to  be  revised.  The  Committee  on  Revi- 
sion were  M.  Hoehn,  A.  B.  Schafer  and  A.  Nicolai.  They  brought 
a  report  the  second  day  as  follows,  which  has  been  adopted  since 
at  every  succeeding  annual  session : 

1.  Each  member  shall  retain,  throughout  the  session,  the 
seat  chosen  at  the  beginning  of  the  Conference. 

2.  Any  one  desiring  to  speak  shall  arise  and  respectfully 
address  the   Chairman.     Should  two  or  more  rise  to   speak  the 

821 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

same  time  the  Chair  shall  decide  which  one  shall  have  the  privi- 
lege of  speaking. 

3.  No  one  shall  be  interrupted  in  speaking  except  he  deviate 
from  the  subject  under  consideration,  or  present  something  that 
is  out  of  order,  which  must  always  be  decided  by  the  Chair,  or  by 
the  Conference. 

4.  All  remarks  and  references  to  others  shall  be  made  in 
brotherly  love. 

5.  In  Conference  session  each  member  shall  avoid  incidental 
or  side  business  transaction. 

6.  No  one  shall  be  allowed  to  withdraw  before  the  regular 
close  of  the  session  without  permission  of  Conference. 

7.  All  resolutions,  so  requested  by  the  Chairman,  Secretary 
or  any  two  members  of  Conference,  must  be  rendered  in  written 
form. 

8.  Any  minister  who  shall  report,  by  writing  or  verbally, 
of  the  examinations  of  character,  etc.,  shall,  the  next  year,  be  de- 
nied the  privilege  of  being  present  at  the  examination. 


Miscellaneous  Rules   and    Regulations  adopted  by 
the  Indiana  Conference. 

UNRESCINDED  AND  IMPORTANT  RULES 

A^These  rules  were  adopted  at  the  sessions  indicated  by  year  number. 

1861 — No  local  preacher  shall  be  received  from  other  Conferences 
unless  he  brings  a  certificate  of  standing  from  his  Quar- 
terly or  Annual  Conference.  And  if  any  leave  this  Confer- 
ence they  must  go  with  a  certificate. 

1863 — There  shall  be  roll-call  at  the  opening  of  each  session;  and 
if  any  one  is  absent,  unless  he  can  show  satisfactory  cause, 
he  shall  be  reprimanded. 

1865 — Resolved,  That  each  preacher  lift  an  annual  collection  at  all 
appointments  for  superannuated  preachers,  widows  and 
orphans. 

1869 — Resolved,  That  a  fine  of  $5.00  be  imposed  on  all  preachers 
hereafter,  who  neglect  lifting  a  collection  for  superannuated 
preachers,  widows  and  orphans. 

1879 — Whereas,  Much  labor  and  vexation  having  been  caused  the 
Missionary  Society,  Sunday-School  and  Tract  Union  Soci- 
ety and  Finance  Committee  by  brethren  bringing  their  col- 
lections in  small  change,  therefore  Resolved,  That  it  shall 

322 


UNRESCINDED  AND  IMPORTANT  RULES 

not  be  allowed  to  bring-  such  moneys  in  smaller  money  than 
$1.00,  excepting  when  there  are  fractional  parts  of  a  dollar 
in  such  aggregate  collections. 

1886 — Resolved,  That  in  the  future  at  the  examination  of  the 
moral  and  official  conduct  of  preachers,  it  shall  be  asked  if 
all  the  Conference  collections  have  been  lifted. 

Whereas,  J.  Berger,  P.  E.,  reported  that  local  church 
trustees  have  rented  their  churches  (doubtless  for  other 
purposes  than  the  Discipline  provides)  without  asking  the 
sanction  of  the  preacher-in-charge,  or  the  Conference, 

Resolved,  That  such  action  is  a  violation  of  the  civil 
and  ecclesiastical  laws,  and  requests  such  trustees  to  desist 
in  such  actions  in  the  future. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  future  all  preachers  shall  buy 
and  use  the  "Membership  Book"  prepared  by  the  Publish- 
ing House. 

1890 — Resolved,  That  hereafter  none  of  our  preachers  shall  be 
allowed  to  go  out  of  the  town  or  city  where  Conference  is 
held  during  the  session  to  preach. 

1892 — Resolved,  That  we  prohibit  any  of  our  ministers  to  under- 
take the  building  of  a  church  until  two-thirds,  or  at  least 
nearly  that  amount  is  secured,  before  the  enterprise  is  un- 
dertaken. 

1895 — Resolved,  That  no  evangelist,  whether  of  our  own  church 
or  any  other,  be  granted  the  permission  to  hold  meetings 
in  our  churches  without  the  consent  of  the  Presiding  Elder 
and  the  preacher-in-charge,  and  that  said  evangelists  shall 
be  requested  to  produce  credentials  of  proper  authority  to 
said  minister. 

1900 — Resolved,  That  no  member  of  the  Conference  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  preach  in  any  sister  church  on  Conference  Sunday 
morning,  as  it  is  the  duty  of  all  to  be  present  at  the  ordi- 
nation services  throughout. 

1902 — Whereas,  There  are  brethren  who  owe  the  Publishing 
House  money  by  the  transaction  of  business  with  the  same, 
thus  cutting  down  the  dividends  accruing  from  such  busi- 
ness, that  the  Conference  sorely  needs  to  meet  the  claims 
of  her  claimants,  and  embarrasses  both  the  Publishing 
House  and  the  Conference, 

Resolved,  That  hereafter  those  who  are  at  any  Confer- 
ence session  delinquent  one  hundred  dollars  ($100.00)  or 
more  and  have  not  made  satisfactory  efforts  to  pay  up, 
shall  be  openly  reported. 

323 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1903 — Resolved,  That  when  a  succeeding  minister  finds  instances 
of  names  of  individuals  given  him  by  his  predecessor,  as 
members,  who,  on  inquiry,  cannot  be  found,  or  are  reported 
by  others  as  having  long  ago  left  the  community,  or  that 
they  have  even  been  dead  for  quite  a  length  of  time,  he 
shall  write  to  his  predecessor  in  reference  thereto,  and  if 
such  predecessor  cannot,  or  will  not,  give  satisfactory  rea- 
sons or  explanations  for  the  retention  of  such  names,  the 
said  minister  shall  report  the  case  to  the  Presiding  Elder 
of  the  said  predecessor,  who  shall  then,  unless  he  can 
otherwise  satisfactorily  to  all  parties,  adjust  the  matter, 
report  the  same  to  the  Annual  Conference. 

1907 — Resolved,  That  hereafter  when  there  is  a  deficiency  in  the 
missionary  treasury  that  the  same  be  shared  by  all  mem- 
bers of  Conference. 

1910 — Resolved,  That  the  traveling  expenses  of  all  the  members 
of  the  Conference  in  active  service,  including  those  who  are 
for  one  or  two  years  retained  in  the  itinerancy  without  an 
appointment,  be  equalized ;  however,  the  preacher-in-charge, 
where  the  Conference  session  is  being  held,  shall  be  ex- 
empted for  that  session. 

1914 — Whereas,  The  Sunday-schools  in  many  of  our  societies  have 
grown  to  such  an  extent  that  the  election  of  officers  by 
promiscuous  ballot  has  become  cumbersome;  therefore  be  it 
Resolved,  That  wherever  such  conditions  exist  and  cir- 
cumstances warrant  that  a  nominating  committee,  consist- 
ing of  five  members,  in  addition  to  the  pastor,  be  elected 
annually  at  the  regular  church  business  meeting  or  at  an 
appointed  meeting. 

That  this  committee  shall  meet  annually  some  time 
previous  to  December  5th,  at  the  call  of  the  pastor,  who 
shall  be  chairman,  and  nominate  two  persons  for  each  of- 
fice to  be  filled,  the  same  to  meet  with  the  approval  of  the 
pastor-in-charge,  and  that  said  committee  cause  such  names 
to  be  properly  printed  on  suitable  ballots  to  be  used  at  the 
annual  election  of  Sunday-school  officers. 

STATE  LAWS   GOVERNING  TRUSTEE   ELECTIONS 

Section  4742  Burns'  Statutes,  1901,  provides  that  the  mem- 
bers of  any  church  may,  after  giving  ten  days'  notice  by  posting 
up  written  or  printed  notices  in  three  public  places  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  place  where  such  society  worships,  specifying  the  time  and 
place  of  such  election,  elect  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  nine 

324 


ACTIONS  RELATIVE  TO  THE  COLLEGE 

trustees.  Section  5018  provides  that  this  notice  may  be  given  by 
publication  in  some  daily  or  weekly  paper  in  the  county  in  which 
the  church  is  situated. 

Within  ten  days  after  said  election  there  must  be  filed  with 
the  County  Recorder  a  certificate  setting  forth  the  notice  of  such 
election,  time,  place,  name  of  society,  and  the  names  of  the  per- 
sons elected  as  trustees.     Sections  4743  and  5019. 

The  same  laws  govern  the  election  of  parsonage  trustees  by  a 
Quarterly  Conference. 

All  members  of  the  church,  regardless  of  sex  or  age,  may 
vote,  unless  restricted  by  the  rules  of  such  church. 

These  laws  apply  to  churches,  whether  incorporated  or  not. 
In  fact.  Section  4743  implies  that  from  the  date  of  recording  the 
certificate  of  election  the  trustees  shall  be  deemed  a  body  politic 
and  corporate.  However,  to  be  a  legally  formed  corporation,  Sec- 
tion 4595n  should  be  complied  with. 


Actions  of  the  Indiana  Conference  relative  to  N. 
W.   C,  Seminary,   Endowment. 

ACTIONS   OF    THE    INDIANA    CONFERENCE    RELATIVE    TO    THE    COLLEGE 

That  the  Indiana  Conference  has  not  only  been  peculiarly  fav- 
orable toward  higher  and  Christian  education,  but  has  been  vital- 
ly connected  with  fostering  the  same  within  our  church,  is  evi- 
denced by  her  activities  in  the  past.  Nor  has  she  in  any  way  les- 
sened her  labors  along  this  worthy  line,  but  in  every  advance  she 
is  to  be  found  in  the  front  ranks.  The  Indiana  Conference  has 
not  always  been  able  to  see,  as  other  Conferences  have  seen,  and 
is  still  of  the  conviction  that  much  would  have  been  gained  if  her 
advice  had  been  heeded  in  some  particulars. 

The  Illinois  Conference  sent  as  its  representative  J.  J.  Esher 
to  solicit  the  Indiana  Conference,  at  its  session  in  September,  1859, 
relative  to  entering  a  college  compact.  This  solicitation  was  kind- 
ly received,  but  for  the  present  declined.  In  1861,  when  the  same 
Conference  renewed  their  solicitation  in  the  person  of  J.  J.  Esher 
and  H.  Roland,  the  Indiana  Conference  appointed  a  committee  to 
formulate  plans  whereby  we  might  unite  with  the  Western  Con- 
ferences in  this  worthy  project.  The  committee,  as  appointed, 
was  composed  of  G.  G.  Platz.  M.  W.  Steffey,  F.  Fuchs,  Fr.  Wiet- 
haup  and  A.  B.  Schafer,  who  reported  as  favoring  such  a  union, 

325 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

provided  equal  rights  can  be  had  with  the  other  Conferences  so 
concerned. 

In  September,  1862,  the  entrance  into  the  compact  was  fully 
effected  when  M.  W.  Steffey,  Joseph  Fisher  and  Carl  Helwig,  of 
Indianapolis,  were  chosen  by  the  Conference  as  trustees  of  Plain- 
field  College,  and  J.  Fuchs  as  member  of  the  Executive  Committee. 

Year  after  year  the  Conference  has  been  an  enthusiastic  sup- 
porter of  the  college,  both  by  strong  resolutions  and  financial  sup- 
port. Nor  has  the  Indiana  Conference  failed  in  sending  her  quota 
of  men  and  women,  and  not  a  few  of  her  present  ministers  have 
secured  a  liberal  education  within  her  walls. 

Relocation  of  the  College. — The  college  which  was  located 
at  Plainfield  soon  proved  to  be  of  great  blessing  to  the  church, 
and  it  was  evident,  also,  that,  if  it  was  to  be  of  the  greatest  value 
and  usefulness,  it  must  be  removed  to  some  town  having  railroad 
facilities.  The  college  must  be  more  accessible.  September  of 
1868  brought  an  unusual  offer  to  the  compact  for  purchasing  a 
school  in  a  new  and  desirable  location.  The  trustees  of  the  North- 
ern Indiana  College  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  offered  to 
sell  us,  as  a  Conference,  their  college,  located  at  South  Bend,  In- 
diana, at  the  nominal  sum  of  $6,000.00.  A  committee,  composed 
of  M.  W.  Steffey,  M.  Krueger  and  J.  Kaufman,  to  negotiate  in 
this  matter  and  take  it  up  with  the  other  members  of  the  compact, 
was  appointed.  The  folloM'ing  resolution  was  drawn  up :  "Re- 
solved, That  we  are  grateful  to  receive  such  a  liberal  offering  and 
do  highly  appreciate  the  same.  However,  since  we,  as  a  Confer- 
ence, are  connected  with  the  college  at  Plainfield,  111.,  and  have 
our  share  of  endowment  to  raise,  we  are  unable,  as  a  Conference, 
to  purchase  this  Northern  Indiana  College,  but  we  will  instruct 
our  college  trustees  to  present  the  matter  to  the  other  Confer- 
ences in  the  compact,  and  should  these  Conferences  concerned  ex- 
press themselves  as  favoring  the  purchase,  we  will  gladly  accept 
the  same." 

At  the  Conference  session  of  1869  it  was  reported  that  the 
college  is  to  be  relocated,  either  at  Naperville,  111.,  where  a  pledge 
of  $25,000.00  had  been  given  and  a  plot  of  4  acres  of  land,  or  at 
South  Bend,  where  a  school  worth  $40,000.00  and  71/2  acres  of  land 
could  be  purchased  from  the  Methodists  for  $6,000.00.  Both 
places  had  their  promoters  and  supporters,  and  against  what  the 
Indiana  Conference  considered  her  better  judgment,  and  the  larger 
usefulness  of  the  school.  South  Bend  was  rejected,  with  its  most 
enticing  offer.     Had  the  college  been  located  at  South  Bend,  there 

326 


ACTIONS  RELATIVE  TO  THE  COLLEGE 

were  good  prospects  of  other  Conferences  entering-  the  compact, 
which  would  have  greatly  strengthened  the  school  in  every  way. 

An  extra  session  of  the  North-Western  College  Trustees  was 
called,  and  at  this  session  it  was  decided  to  move  the  college  from 
Plainfield  to  Naperville,  111.  The  committee  reported,  in  1870, 
regarding  these  matters,  as  follows :  "As  is  already  known,  the 
trustees  of  North-Western  College,  at  an  extra  session,  removed 
the  college  from  Plainfield  to  Naperville,  111.  Although  South 
Bend  was  the  place  of  our  choice,  believing  that  for  the  prosperity 
of  the  school  it  would  have  been  greatly  to  be  preferred,  we  will, 
nevertheless,  submit  to  the  will  of  the  majority  and  pray  God's 
blessing  to  rest  upon  the  institution.  As  much  as  we  regret  that 
the  excellent  oflfer  from  South  Bend  was  not  accepted,  we  are, 
nevertheless,  ready  to  wish  prosperity  to  the  school  as  before.  The 
Indiana  Conference  replied  :  Resolved  : 

1.  We  will  aid  our  North- Western  College  agent,  Wm,  Huel- 
ster,  in  collecting  the  unpaid  subscriptions. 

2.  That  our  trustees  represented  us  properly,  inasmuch  as 
they  opposed  Naperville  as  the  location  of  North-Western  College. 

3.  We  rejoice  that  the  citizens  of  Naperville  and  the  vicin- 
ity, together  with  our  agent,  are  erecting  the  college  building,  and 
we  hope  that,  since  they  achieved  their  end  and  have  the  college 
in  their  midst,  they  will  now  complete  the  building  and  nicely  pay 
for  the  same ! 

4.  That  we  in  no  way  obligate  ourselves  for  the  payment  of 
the  debts  that  may  be  made  in  erecting  the  building. 

5.  That,  for  the  present,  we  do  not  think  it  expedient  to 
proceed  with  the  Theological  Department.  However,  we  rejoice 
that  the  college  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  and  that  the  Faculty 
is  striving  to  meet  the  necessities  of  the  institute. 

OUR  RELATION  TO  THE  UNION  BIBLICAL  INSTITUTE,  NOW  EVANGELICAL 
THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 

The  first  that  is  mentioned  concerning  the  work  of  the  insti- 
tute occurs  in  1870,  when  Rev.  Wm.  Huelster,  agent  of  the  college, 
was  present  and  urged  the  establishing  of  a  theological  chair  in 
the  college.  The  Conference  could  not  see  its  way  clearly  at  this 
session,  but  in  the  year  following  expressed  the  desire  that,  if 
feasible,  the  General  Conference  should  take  steps  in  that  direc- 
tion. Quite  a  number  of  men  had  attended  North-Western  College 
who  were  entering  the  ranks  of  the  ministry,  and  it  seemed  but 
reasonable  that  opportunity  should  be  given  for  theologic  study. 

327 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

During  this  year  the  trustees  of  the  college  compact  organized  the 
Union  Biblical  Institute,  which  action  was  heartily  endorsed  and 
ratified  by  the  Indiana  Conference  at  its  session  in  1872.  More- 
over, it  was  recommended  that  an  endowTnent  fund  should  be 
raised,  and  as  soon  as  $15,000.00  was  secured,  the  work  shall  pro- 
ceed. One  year  later  found  this  Conference  urging  the  immedi- 
ate beginning  of  the  institute  work,  and  the  appointing  of  a  pro- 
fessor, in  order  that  our  "young  men  may  be  the  better  trained  to 
save  men." 

With  others,  it  was  soon  recognized  that,  in  order  to  main- 
tain the  institute,  an  additional  endowment  of  $5,000.00  would  be 
needed,  and  earnest  assistance  was  given  the  institute  treasurer 
in  the  raising  of  this  amount. 

From  the  very  first  the  Indiana  Conference  has  been  an  ear- 
nest promoter  and  earnest  supporter  of  the  work  of  the  insti- 
tute, and  feels  justly  proud  of  the  men  in  her  ranks  that  have  en- 
joyed the  privileges  of  this  blessed  institution,  and  that,  now,  one 
of  her  own  ministers.  Rev.  G.  B.  Kimmel,  occupies  one  of  the  im- 
portant chairs  in  her  Faculty. 

ENDOWMENT  FUND  FOR  THE   COLLEGE  AND   THE   SEMINARY 

From  the  very  founding  of  our  higher  schools  of  learning  it 
was  understood  that  such  could  not  be  maintained  without  an  ade- 
quately large  and  permanent  endowment  fund,  of  w^hich  the  in- 
terest alone  could  be  used.  The  Indiana  Conference  has  always 
gladly  borne  her  part  of  this  work  and  raised  her  share  of  the  ap- 
portionment, both  for  the  college  and  the  seminary.  When  the 
college  was  to  be  moved  and  put  upon  a  larger  and  better  basis,  she 
advocated  no  less  than  a  $100,000.00  endowment.  When  the  in- 
stitute called  for  $20,000.00  as  an  endowment  she  was  on  hand 
to  provide  her  share. 

In  1875  the  following  resolution  was  passed:  "Whereas,  It 
is  recommended  by  our  agent,  Rev.  Wm.  Huelster,  to  make  this 
year  a  jubilee  year  for  the  endowment  fund  of  the  college  and 
institute,  therefore  be  it  Resolved,  That  every  preacher  shall,  if 
possible,  collect  an  average  of  $1.00  per  member  for  said  endow- 
ment fund."  However,  money  proved  to  be  very  scarce  during 
the  year,  and  thereafter  regular  yearly  offerings  were  taken  in- 
stead of  this  spasmodic  attempt. 

In  1895,  J.  H.  Yaggy  addressed  the  Conference  in  the  inter- 
est of  finances  of  the  college  and  institute,  and  our  preachers  re- 
sponded with  a  subscription  of  $1,250.00. 

328 


ORPHAN  HOME  AND  THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

It  became  evident,  owing-  to  the  increase  along  eveij  line  of 
college  and  institute  work,  that  a  larger  endowment  was  neces- 
sary to  proceed  in  safety.  Accordingly  the  General  Conference, 
at  its  session  in  1903,  recommended  to  these  institutions,  in  view 
of  the  need,  to  take  active  steps  at  once  toward  raising  an  endow- 
ment of  $250,000.00.  Our  Indiana  Conference  placed  herself  in 
line  with  the  other  Conferences  of  the  compact  and  assumed  her 
share  of  the  burden.  The  above  sum  was  carefully  apportioned 
by  the  trustees  of  the  compact  to  the  Conferences  concerned,  and 
it  fell  to  our  lot  to  raise  $27,527.67. 

This  amount,  plus  4  per  cent,  interest  on  the  amount  unpaid, 
seemed  like  an  unmovable  and  insurmountable  mountain,  but  after 
it  was  assumed  the  Conference  proceeded  in  her  characteristic 
"hoosier"  fashion  to  cheerfully  raise  the  same.  The  Conference 
Branch  Young  People's  Alliance  took  an  active  and  aggressive  part, 
and  urged,  in  1909,  that  an  effort  be  made  to  raise  the  whole 
amount  in  four  years.  At  the  Conference  of  1910  the  entire  sum 
unpaid  was  apportioned  to  the  four  presiding-  elder  districts  and 
again  apportioned  to  the  various  local  societies.  The  Presiding 
Elders  and  pastors  went  at  the  task  with  enthusiasm  and  suc- 
ceeded in  securing  the  entire  amount  without  the  aid  of  the  college 
treasurer.  Nearly  the  entire  amount  has  been  paid  in,  including 
the  4  per  cent,  interest. 

Aside  from  this  effort,  S.  H,  Baumgartner  found  a  man, 
Charles  Meuser,  of  Grand  View,  Indiana,  who  gladly  gave  $5,000.00 
on  the  annuity  plan,  which,  in  due  time,  will  become  an  added  part 
of  the  Endowment  Fund.  This  good  brother  and  his  wife  have 
set  an  example  that  will  bear  repetition. 


Orphans'  Home. 

The  Indiana  Conference,  active  in  every  other  line,  was  not  to 
be  found  idle  in  the  matter  of  the  needy  orphans.  The  Annual 
Conference  sessions  witnessed  considerable  agitation  along  this 
line,  which  finally  took  definite  form  at  the  session  held  in  1864. 
An  organization  was  effected  for  this  purpose,  according  to  the 
method  prescribed,  namely,  that  any  one  paying  a  sum  of  $20.00 
or  more  shall  be  a  member,  and  as  soon  as  twenty  are  enrolled, 
ofTicers  shall  be  elected  and  the  society  organized. 

At  the  session  of  1865  five  trustees  were  elected,  whose  duty 
it  became  to  solicit  funds  for  this  purpose,  and  as  soon  as  $20,000.00 
was  secured,  to  establish  an  orphan  home  within  the  bounds  of 

329 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

the  Indiana  Conference.  This  Board  of  Trustees  was  to  be  I(^•• 
garded  as  "The  Orphans'  Father,"  whose  purpose  it  was  to  find 
suitable  homes  for  destitute  children.  The  Presiding  Elders  and 
the  pastors  were  made  special  agents  in  the  soliciting  of  funds 
and  finding  needy  children  and  suitable  private  homes  in  which 
to  place  them. 

At  a  previous  date  an  Orphan  Home  Society  had  been  formed, 
which  was  allowed  to  lapse  and  subscriptions  which  had  been  taken 
for  the  same  were  not  collected.  The  newly  organized  society 
requested  that  those  subscriptions  be  transferred  to  the  new  Or- 
phan Home  Society  and  be  paid  during  the  current  year.  The 
Chairman  of  the  Board  was  also  allowed  the  privilege  of  calling  the 
Board  together  to  transact  business  during  the  Conference  year, 
and  to  repoit  their  minutes  to  the  Conference.  The  Treasurer 
was  instructed  to  invest  the  funds  on  hand,  with  good  security, 
at  a  legal  rate  of  interest.  The  Board  was  composed  of  M.  W. 
Steffey,  A.  B.  Schafer,  J.  Fuchs,  C.  Helwig  and  Carl  Alday  (the 
latter  two  being  lay  members). 

The  work  along  this  line  began  to  lag  a  little  until  Rev.  Zim- 
mer,  of  the  Ohio  Conference,  presented  himself  as  a  delegate  from 
the  Ohio  Conference  at  the  session  of  1866.  He  brought  an  appeal 
from  his  Conference  for  a  union  of  the  Ohio  and  Indiana  Confer- 
ence in  establishing  an  orphan  home.  Hereupon  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference expressed  the  advisability  of  presenting  the  matter  to  Gen- 
eral Conference,  and  steps  be  taken  toward  establishing  an  or- 
phan home  as  an  Evangelical  Association,  making  the  institution 
large  and  strong  enough  to  provide  educational  instruction,  as 
well  as  a  home  for  the  orphans.  It  was  made  plain,  however,  that 
in  case  General  Conference  takes  no  action  in  the  matter,  the  Ohio 
Conference  should  again  confer  with  the  Indiana  Conference.  At 
the  next  session  G.  F.  Spreng,  of  the  Ohio  Conference,  was  present 
and  made  an  appeal  for  financial  aid,  asking  the  privilege  to  so- 
licit in  the  bounds  of  the  Indiana  Conference.  As  much  as  the 
Indiana  Conference  was  in  favor  of  orphan  home  work,  such  priv- 
ilege could  not  be  granted  at  the  time  asked. 

In  October  of  the  same  year,  1867,  the  General  Conference 
took  over  the  orphan  home  at  Tiffin,  Ohio,  and  made  it  a  denom- 
inational institution.  The  following  resolution  was  passed :  "Re- 
solved, That  we  declare  the  Ohio  Orphan  Institution  to  be  the  in- 
stitution of  the  Evangelical  Association  of  North  America,  and 
order  that  the  Articles  of  Incorporation  and  the  Constitution  be 
changed  accordingly." 

330 


CHURCH  EXTENSION 

The  Indiana  Conference  rejoiced  at  this  action,  which  was 
of  her  own  suggestion,  and  in  the  year  1868  transferred  her 
orphan  home  treasury  to  the  Orphan  Home  of  the  Evangelical 
Association,  located  at  Tiffin,  Ohio. 


Church  Extension. 

Recognizing  the  value  and  imperative  need  of  some  fund  that 
would  assist  mission  churches  in  the  construction  of  suitable 
buildings  by  the  loaning  of  money  at  a  very  low  rate  of  interest, 
a  church  building  fund  was  started  at  the  session  in  1892,  when 
Sister  Hannah  Link,  of  Bremen,  Indiana,  gave  $1,000.00  for  this 
noble  purpose.  The  following  resolution  was  adopted  upon  the 
receipt  of  this  gift:  Resolved,  That  for  a  period  of  five  years  20 
per  cent,  of  all  money  collected  within  the  bounds  of  the  Indiana 
Conference  for  any  church  or  parsonage,  either  by  authorized 
or  unauthorized  collectors,  other  than  on  the  charge,  building 
such  a  church  or  parsonage,  shall  flow  into  this  church  building 
fund. 

At  the  General  Conference,  held  in  1903,  a  Church  Extension 
Society  was  created,  and  all  the  Conferences  ratified  this  sane  ac- 
tion. This  society  called  for  seven  trustees  in  each  Conference, 
the  Presiding  Elders,  by  virtue  of  their  oflfice,  and  others  elected 
to  fill  out  the  full  number  of  seven.  The  Presiding  Elders  auto- 
matically become  members  of  this  Board,  and  the  other  members 
are  elected  for  a  term  of  five  years.  Those  who  have  served  as 
members  of  this  Board  from  the  Indiana  Conference  are : 

1906— S.  H.  Baumgartner,  D.  Martz,  C.  F.  Hansing,  D.  D.  Spei- 
cher  (P.  E.'s),  L.  Newman,  G.  B.  Kimmel,  J.  H.  Rilling. 

1907 — L.  S.  Fisher  and  J.  0.  Hosier  automatically  became  mem- 
bers by  being  elected  Presiding  Elder  in  the  place  of  S.  H. 
Baumgartner  and  C.  F.  Hansing. 

1908 — J.  J.  Wise,  as  Presiding  Elder,  became  a  member  in  D. 
Martz's  place. 

1909 — S.  H.  Baumgartner,  as  Presiding  Elder,  became  a  member 
in  place  of  D.  D.  Speicher. 

1911 — J.  W.  Metzner,  as  Presiding  Elder,  in  the  place  of  J.  O. 
Hosier  and  L.  S.  Fisher,  G.  B.  Kimmel,  J.  H.  Rilling  and 
L.  Newman  were  re-elected.    L.  S.  Fisher  was  newly  elected. 

331 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

In  1909  the  Conference  Board  of  Church  Extension  made  the 
following  report : 

Whereas,  The  General  Conference  has  urged  all  the  Confer- 
ences having  separate  Church  Extension  funds  to  merge  the  same 
into  the  fund  of  the  General  Board  of  Church  Extension ;  and, 
Whereas,  A  strenuous  effort  is  being  made  to  raise  this  general 
fund  to  $100,000,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  We  recommend  that  all  the  moneys  of  our  Confer- 
ence Church  Extension  Fund  be  transferred  to  the  General 
Board  of  Church  Extension  of  our  church,  to  become  the  prop- 
erty of,  and  to  be  administered  by  said  Board.  It  shall  be  known 
as  the  Indiana  Conference  Fund,  to  be  used  for  church  extension 
purposes  within  the  bounds  of  our  own  Conference  only,  at  one 
per  cent,  rate  of  interest. 

For  donations  to  this  fund  see  "Donations,"  page  343. 


Camp-meeting  and  Oakwood  Park, 

In  1881  a  committee,  composed  of  three  members  from  each 
Presiding  Elder  district,  was  named  to  see  after  a  Conference 
camp-meeting,  but  for  some  reason  the  camp-meeting  failed  to 
appear.  In  1889  a  committee  of  five,  consisting  of  D.  S.  Oakes, 
H,  Arlen,  Aug.  Geist,  J.  Whales  and  G.  B.  Holdeman,  was  ap- 
pointed to  secure  a  camp-meeting  outfit.  A  stock  company  was 
formed  by  a  number  of  brethren,  who  purchased  a  tabernacle, 
tents,  seats,  etc.,  at  a  cost  of  $1,000.  This  outfit  was  used  for  a 
time  and  then  donated  to  Conference.  In  '92  a  committee,  com- 
posed of  the  Presiding  Elders,  D.  S.  Oakes,  H.  Arlen,  D.  Martz, 
was  appointed  to  consider  the  advisability  of  purchasing  a  perma- 
nent camp-ground,  and  to  hunt  a  suitable  site  for  the  same,  and 
report  to  next  Conference.  The  succeeding  Conference  is  found 
instructing  this  committee  to  take  immediate  steps  toward  pur- 
chasing a  permanent  camp-ground  on  the  west  shore  of  Lake 
Wawassee,  near  Syracuse,  Ind.  In  '94  a  stock  company  was 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  taking  charge  of  the  camp-meeting 
park,  now  called  Oakwood  Park.  Efforts  were  made  to  sell  100 
shares  to  the  preachers  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  the  Presiding 
Elders  being  the  general  agents  for  the  Conference  park,  and  were 
to  secure  stockholders  upon  their  various  districts.  Should  the 
stock  company  fail  to  materialize  by  Oct.  1,  '84,  the  Conference 
trustees  were  authorized  to  provide  for  the  meeting  of  the  obli- 

332 


CONFERENCE   BRANCH  YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  ALLIANCE 

g-ation,  and  should  the  Conklin  Hill  Park  Co.  become  an   incor- 
porate reality,  the  trustees  shall  make  the  necessary  transfer. 

In  '98,  the  Conference  Branch  Young  People's  Alliance,  through 
its  President,  Rev.  H.  Steininger,  proposed  the  camp-meeting 
tabernacle  enterprise  to  the  Conference.  The  offer  of  the  young 
people  was  gladly  accepted,  D.  D.  Spangler  drafted  an  excellent 
plan  for  a  tabernacle,  60  ft.  by  90  ft.,  and  the  ministers  of  the 
Conference,  headed  by  a  few  experienced  carpenters,  proceeded  to 
construct  it.  It  was  a  marvel  in  the  eyes  of  every  one,  especially 
because  it  was  built  by  preachers!  The  year  after  its  building, 
under  the  presidency  of  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  a  floor  was  put  in,  to 
make  it  even  more  serviceable.  This  tabernacle  rendered  excellent 
service  until  its  destruction  by  fire  in  1914.  Immediately  a  new 
auditorium  was  built.  The  ministers  once  more  showed  their  skill 
and  gave  to  the  Conference  a  handsome,  octagon-shaped  audi- 
torium. The  lay  brethren  rendered  splendid  aid  in  this  task, 
while  the  willing  wives  of  the  preachers  prepared  the  meals.  The 
trustees  of  the  Conference  managed  the  entire  affair. 


Conference  Branch  Y.    P.   A. 

Active  steps  were  taken  in  1892  to  organize  a  Conference 
Branch  Young  People's  Alliance.  The  prime  movers  of  such  an 
organization  were  the  Young  People's  Alliance  members  of  Watch- 
tower  Church  of  Elkhart,  Indiana,  who,  by  special  letter,  peti- 
tioned Conference  at  this  session  to  organize  a  Conference  Branch 
Alliance,  and  to  co-operate  with  them  in  convention  work.  At 
this  time  there  were  three  Young  People's  Alliances,  one  at  Watch- 
tower,  Elkhart;  Dayton,  Commercial  St.,  and  Rochester.  The  first 
convention  prior  to  the  Conference  Branch  organization  was  held 
in  our  Rochester  Church,  of  which  S.  H.  Baumgartner  was  then 
pastor.  The  Conference  resolved  at  this  session  to  grant  the  re- 
quest of  the  aforesaid  petitioners,  and  elected  the  following  com- 
mittee on  organization:  M.  L.  Scheidler,  F.  E.  Zechiel,  W.  H.  My- 
grant,  W.  H.  Brightm_ire  and  Geo.  Roederer.  The  aim  of  this  or- 
ganization, as  expressed  by  Conference,  was  "to  teach  practical 
religion  and  the  fundamental  truths  of  the  Bible."  The  above 
committee  met  at  New  Paris,  Ind.,  at  this  session,  and  organized 
as  follows :  Geo.  Roederer,  Pres. ;  W.  H.  Brightmire,  Vice-Pres. ; 
F.  E.  Zechiel,  Cor.  Sec;  M.  L.  Scheidler,  Rec.  Sec,  and  W.  H. 
Mygrant,  Treas.  By  the  solicitation  of  the  committee  the  different 
local   Young  People's   Alliances   of  the   Indiana   Conference   sent 

333 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

delegates  to  Urbana,  where  they  were  organized  into  a  Conference 
Branch  Young  People's  Alliance, 

In  1898  the  Branch  Alliance  gave  proof  of  its  value  when  it 
undertook  the  building  of  the  tabernacle  (see  article  on  Camp- 
Ground),  and  completed  the  project  most  commendably.  At  the 
session  of  '99  the  following  resolution  was  adopted :  "In  view  of 
the  fact  that  the  Conference  Branch  Young  People's  Alliance  has, 
during  the  past  year,  erected  a  beautiful  tabernacle  at  Oakwood 
Park,  therefore  be  it  Resolved,  That  the  Branch  Young  People's 
Alliance  be  released  this  year  from  paying  the  required  two-thirds 
of  their  money."  One-third  of  all  money  collected  flowed  into  the 
Conference  building  fund,  and  one-third  into  the  Conference 
treasury. 

The  Branch  Alliance  has  also  been  exceedingly  busy  in  pro- 
moting missionary  and  educational  causes.  Besides  supporting 
C.  E.  Ranck,  missionary  to  China,  and  giving  generously  toward 
the  Indiana  Conference  Missionary  Society,  she  has  also  helped  in 
the  launching  of  several  new  missions,  and  gave  them  a  proper 
beginning.  In  1902  the  Conference  Branch  Young  People's  Alli- 
ance president  informed  Conference  that  the  Conference  Branch 
Young  People's  Alliance  desires  to  support,  for  three  successive 
years,  a  new  mission  in  the  Conference.  The  matter  was  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  Boundaries.  Kokomo  city  was  then  reported 
by  this  committee  as  the  desired  place  to  establish  the  Young 
People's  Alliance  mission,  and  A.  S.  Fisher  became  the  first  mis- 
sionary. (Previous  to  this  tim-e,  in  the  summer  of  1890,  S.  H. 
Baumgartner  preached  in  this  city  in  an  Independent  church,  but 
from  lack  of  encouragement  on  the  part  of  the  Presiding  Elder  the 
work  was  dropped.  The  United  Brethren  then  took  up  the  work  in 
this  same  church,  and,  later,  bought  it  and  organized  a  society 
which  flourished.  We  might  have  had  the  field  then  if  faith  had 
been  stronger.  Past  failures  at  other  places  had  much  to  do  with 
quitting  here  at  this  time,  fearing  another  "everlasting  mission.") 

Since  then  a  number  of  other  missions  have  been  greatly 
helped,  chief  among  which  were  Ft.  Wayne,  Crescent  Ave.,  Terre 
Haute,  and  Evansville,  new  mission. 


District  Meetings. 

In  1859  meetings  of  the  preachers  on  each  Presiding  Elder 
district  were  ordered  to  be  held,  and  in  18G4  a  motion  was  sup- 
ported, to  hold  any  minister  who  failed  to  attend,  should  give  ac- 

334 


CONFERENCE  COMMITTEES 

count  thereof  at  the  next  annual  session  of  the  Conference.  The 
traveling  expenses  to  and  from  the  district  meeting  could  be  col- 
lected from  the  various  fields  of  labor. 

In  1866  the  following  Business  Rules  governing  district  meet- 
ings were  adopted  by  the  Annual  Conference: 

1.  The  Presiding  Elder  shall  be  chairman.  In  his  absence 
one  shall  be  elected. 

2.  The  session  shall  each  time  be  opened  with  Scripture 
reading,  song  and  prayer,  and  close  with  prayer.  The  chairman 
can  appoint  others  for  this  service. 

3.  Each  minister  shall  read  a  written  treatise  on  a  given  sub- 
ject, which  shall  then  be  openly  discussed  in  reference  to  thought 
and  language. 

4.  The  preachers  shall  collect  themes  during  the  year  and 
bring  them  to  Conference,  to  be  distributed  by  a  committee  to  the 
preachers  of  the  districts. 

5.  Each  district  meeting  shall  adopt  its  own  by-laws  as  oc- 
casion requires. 

6.  There  shall  be  preaching  each  evening  during  the  meeting. 

7.  At  the  close  of  each  district  meeting,  time  and  place  for 
the  next  one  shall  be  fixed. 

In  1882  the  resolution,  making  it  obligatory  to  attend  the 
district  meetings,  was  rescinded ;  however,  attendance  at  the  dis- 
trict meetings  usually  has  been  unanimous  wherever  they  have 
been  held. 


Conference  Committees. 

There  are  a  number  of  standing  committees  that  do  the  most  of 
the  preliminary  work  of  the  Conference  session,  eliminating  much 
needless  discussion  by  bringing  matters  of  importance  before  the 
Conference  in  proper  shape,  so  that  discussion  can  be  intelligent, 
and  adoption  or  rejection  be  made  with  despatch.  The  standing 
committees  are :  On  Worship ;  On  Letters  and  Documents ;  On 
Boundaries ;  On  Appropriations ;  On  Episcopal  Fund  and  Appor- 
tionment; On  Conference  Records;  On  Statistics;  On  Ways  and 
Means ;  On  Finance ;  On  Education ;  On  Temperance  and  Sab- 
bath; On  Catechetical  Instruction,  Sunday-School  and  Young  Peo- 
ple's Alliance;  On  Resolutions;  On  Conference  Relations;  On 
Memorials. 

335 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

PERMANENT  MEMORIAL  COMMITTEE 

A  permanent  Memorial  Committee,  composed  of  J.  H.  Evans, 
Chairman;  B.  Schueimeier,  Vice-Chairman,  and  E.  W.  Praetorius, 
Secretary,  was  appointed  at  the  session  in  1909.  The  duty  of 
this  committee  shall  be  to  gather  material  concerning  those  who 
have  died  during  the  year,  such  as  would  be  of  value  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Memorials,  and  present  same  for  use  to  the  committee 
that  is  appointed  at  each  session. 

In  1905  a  Memorial  Department  was  ordered  to  be  established 
in  our  Conference  Journal,  giving,  first,  the  name  of  deceased 
ministers ;  second,  date  of  birth ;  third,  date  of  entrance  into  the 
ministry ;  fourth,  date  of  death  and  where  buried.  D.  S.  Oakes 
was  appointed  to  be  the  compiler.  This  list  appeared  in  the  Jour- 
nal of  1906. 

HISTORICAL  COMMITTEES 

First  Historical  Committee :  S.  Dickover,  G.  G.  Platz  and 
Chr.  Glaus,  was  appointed,  in  1855,  to  gather  material  for  the 
History  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  which  was  to  be  published 
by  W.  W.  Orwig. 

In  1893,  D.  S.  Oakes  was  appointed  to  write  a  historical 
sketch  of  the  origin  and  development  of  the  Indiana  Conference, 
and  that  the  same  be  published  annually  in  the  Conference  Jour- 
nal in  a  period  of  ten  years. 

In  1914  the  Conference  passed  the  following  resolution: 

Whereas,  The  time  has  come  to  conserve  the  valuable  data  of 
the  history  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  and.  Whereas,  It  would 
prove  of  great  value  to  have  a  continued  history  of  the  Indiana 
Conference  from  its  inception  up  to  the  present  time,  and  that 
such  a  history  may  be  in  a  substantial  and  portable  form. 

We  recommend  therefore : 

1.  That  the  Presiding  Elders  constitute  a  committee  to  se- 
cure and  publish  such  a  history,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  the  Confer- 
ence historian,  to  serve  as  chairman. 

2.  That  no  less  than  one  thousand  copies — the  number  of 
pages  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  committee — be  published  and 
sold  for  not  less  than  50  cents  per  copy. 

In  1915  a  special  Committee  on  Conference  History  was  ap- 
pointed to  inspect  materials  presented  by  S.  H.  Baumgartner. 
This  committee,  composed  of  J.  O.  Mosier,  Chairman,  G.  B.  Kim- 
mel,  E.  W.  Praetorius,  G.  W.  Frederick  and  Wm.  Mertz,  submit- 
ted the  following  report,  which  was  adopted: 

336 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  PREACHERS'  SALARIES 

1.  That  1,000  copies  of  the  history  be  pubhshed,  bound  in 
cloth,  and  sold  at  a  price  of  no  less  than  50  cents  nor  more  than 
75  cents  per  copy. 

2.  That  E.  W,  Praetorius  shall  be  appointed  as  editor  and 
publisher  of  the  same. 

3.  That  each  preacher  shall  be  responsible  for  the  sale  of  one 
book  for  every  25  members  of  his  congregation. 


Preachers'  Salaries  in   Evolution. 

THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  PREACHERS'  SALARIES 

In  1852  the  financial  support  for  the  year  per  single  man  was 
$73.92,  and  reasonable  traveling  expenses.  D.  S.  Oakes,  our  first 
historian,  stated  the  salary  rule  in  vogue  from  the  beginning  as 
follows:  "That  all  preachers  received  equal  salaries,  according  to 
months,  regulated  as  follows :  Unmarried  men,  and  those  not  or- 
dained deacons,  if  married,  were  allowed  twelve  months,  while 
ordained  married  men  counted  twelve  months  additional  for  their 
wives,  and  three  months  for  each  child  under  14  years  old.  All 
had  to  report  their  months,  and  the  amount  of  quarterage  re- 
ceived, to  the  Finance  Committee.  This  committee  then  ascer- 
tained the  aggregate  number  of  months,  as  also  the  total  quarterage 
paid,  from  which  an  average  to  the  month  was  ascertained,  and 
each  man  received  pro  rata  according  to  the  number  of  months  to 
Avhich  he  was  entitled.  It  followed  that  those  who  received  above 
the  average  had  to  disburse  the  excess  to  help  make  up  the  deficit 
of  those  who  fell  below.  Each  had  also  to  report  his  itemized 
traveling  expenses,  and  if  the  committee  deemed  any  item  not 
just,  it  was  reported  to  the  Conference.  After  these  expenses 
were  granted  as  reasonable,  each  man's  was  deducted  from  his 
quarterage  receipts  before  the  dividend  was  struck."  Average 
salary,  1853,  $87.24.  1854.  All  ministers  who  had  to  move  could 
collect  the  amount  of  moving  expenses  over  $8.00,  when  allowed, 
after  submission  to  the  Quarterly  Conference  for  investigation. 
1855,  $76.68 ;  1856,  $73.56.  Ministers  who  traveled  to  Conference 
and  back  by  railroad  had  to  pay,  from  now  on,  the  excess  of 
cost  per  horse  and  buggy.  1857,  $75.48 ;  1858,  $84.84.  The  Pre- 
siding Elders  from  now  on  were  allowed  house  rent  on  their  dis- 
tricts, provided  they  presented  their  claim  to  their  Quarterly  Con- 
ferences for  allowance  or  rejection  of  the  claim.  1859,  $83.76; 
1860,  $92.40.     In   1861  the  Conference  made  a  new  basis.     The 

387 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Presiding  Elders  and  preachers-in-charge  on  circuits,  besides  sal- 
ary and  reasonable  traveling  expenses,  were  now  allowed  moving 
and  rent  expenses,  but  had  to  collect  it  from  their  respective  fields. 
Salaries  on  circuits  M^ere,  from  now  on,  independent  of  each  other, 
so  that  each  circuit  preacher  could  keep  the  amount  paid,  in  ex- 
cess of  his  fixed  salary,  instead  of  distributing  it  to  those  who  fell 
short.  And  missionaries  were  allowed  for  their  salary  the  average 
between  the  highest  and  lowest  salary  receipts  on  circuits,  plus 
reasonable  traveling  expenses,  and  moving  and  house  rent  ex- 
penses, provided  these  expenses  were  collected  on  their  respective 
fields. 

In  1862  the  salary  ranged  from  $90  to  $100;  in  1864  from 
$101  to  $125.  Ministers  on  circuits  and  country  missions  had  now 
their  salaries  increased  from  10  to  15  per  cent,  for  living  ex- 
penses, and  the  Presiding  Elders  and  station  pastors  were  put  on 
an  equality  for  living  expenses.  In  1865  living  expenses  of  preach- 
ers were  increased  10  per  cent.  Salary  in  1866,  $118  to  $125; 
1867,  $110  to  $125;  1868,  $150-36;  1869,  $188.88.  At  this  ses- 
sion the  plan  of  independent  salary  was  redeclared  as  in  full  vogue, 
and  the  salary  was  now  fixed  on  each  field  for  the  year,  and  the 
missionaries,  from  now  on,  could  keep  the  surplus  salary  receipts. 

THE   SALARY   STANDARD   OF   1882 

1.  A  preacher  on  probation,  married  or  unmarried,  shall  be 
allowed  no  less  than  $200. 

2.  An  ordained  preacher,  if  married,  shall  be  allowed  no 
less  than  $400  for  himself  and  wife,  and  $33 1,;;  for  each  child  un- 
der 15  years.     If  single,  his  allowance  shall  be  no  less  than  $300. 

3.  Pastors  of  city  stations  and  missions  shall  be  allowed 
20  per  cent.,  and  Presiding  Elders  30  per  cent,  additional  to  the 
above. 

4.  Each  minister  shall  be  entitled,  additionally,  to  the  neces- 
sary traveling  expenses  and  to  rent  where  there  are  no  parsonages. 

THIS  BASIS  OF  SALARY  WAS  ADOPTED  1896 

In  the  beginning  of  the  Conference  year  the  preacher-in- 
charge  shall  announce  a  meeting  of  the  official  members  of  the 
charge,  of  which  he  is  to  be  chairman,  who  shall  fix  the  preach- 
er's salary  and  provide  to  raise  it.  The  salary  shall  not  be  less 
than  the  following  sums : 

On  circuits,  married  elders,  $475,  and  married  deacons.  $425. 
On  city  charges,  married  elders,  $525,  and  married  deacons,  $475. 

338 


THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  PREACHERS'  SALARIES 

Probationers  on  circuits,  married,  $375,  and  single  probationers, 
$250. 

Probationers  on  city  charges,  married,  $400,  and  single  proba- 
tioners, $300. 

The  Presiding  Elder's  salary  shall  not  be  less  than  $600.  The 
above  amount  shall  not  include  house  rent  or  traveling  expenses, 
which  shall  be  added. 

A  NEW  STANDARD  OF  SALARY  ADOPTED  APRIL,   1903 

The  new  standard  was  prefaced  by  reasons  as  follows :  The 
times  demand  a  better  prepared  ministry,  requiring  years  of 
study;  the  increased  cost  of  living;  the  inadequacy  of  the  stand- 
ard of  salary  set  by  the  Conference,  and  the  greatly  improved 
condition  of  the  laity. 

Therefore  Resolved,  That,  exclusive  of  traveling  expenses  and 
rent,  the  following  shall  be  the  minimum  of  salaries  in  our  Con- 
ference :  Single  probationers,  $300 ;  married  probationers,  $375 ; 
deacons  on  circuits,  $425;  deacons  on  city  charges,  $500;  elders 
on  circuits,  $550;  elders  on  city  charges,  $600;  Presiding  Elder's 
salary  shall  not  be  less  than  $900,  including  traveling  expenses 
and  rent. 

Resolved,  further,  That  at  the  beginning  of  the  Conference 
year,  as  soon  as  the  preacher's  claim  has  been  presented  and  ac- 
cepted, the  class-leaders  and  exhorters  shall  assist  the  stewards  in 
each  society  in  apportioning  the  claim  among  the  members,  to  in- 
form each  one  of  the  amount,  and  to  request  payment  in  quarterly 
installments  in  sufficient  time  before  each  Quarterly  Conference. 

This  resolution  did  not  apply  to  city  charges  that  had  an  ade- 
quate financial  system. 

A   NEW   STANDARD   ADOPTED   APRIL,    1908 

The  General  Conference,  held  October,  1907,  expressed  the  be- 
lief of  a  shortage  of  efficient  ministers  in  the  church,  to  be  at- 
tributable, in  part,  to  an  inadequate  financial  support  of  the  min- 
instry  and  increased  cost  of  living  from  20  to  40  per  cent.  Be- 
cause of  this  fact  the  Indiana  Conference,  in  April,  1908,  made 
an  appeal  to  the  Conference  constituency  for  better  support  ac- 
cording to  the  following  minimum  standard  (see  page  107,  Con- 
ference Journal,  1908)  : 

Single  probationers,  $450;  married,  $450,  and  rent;  deacons 
on  circuits,  $500,  and  house  rent;  in  cities,  $550,  and  house  rent; 
elders  on  circuits,  $600,  and  house  rent;  in  city  missions,  $650, 
and   rent;   on   city   stations,    $700,   and   rent;   Presiding   Elders, 

339 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

$1,000,  and  rent.  Moving  expenses  of  all  to  be  paid  by  fields  and 
districts  to  which  a  minister  is  appointed.  By  this  standard  all 
former  ones  were  rescinded. 

AN    ADDITIONAL    PRESIDING    ELDER    STANDARD    ADOPTED,    1911 

Whereas,  The  office  of  Presiding  Elder  is  one  of  high  dig- 
nity and  great  responsibility,  requiring  ability  of  no  ordinary  de- 
gree ;  and,  Whereas,  In  the  absence  of  any  fixed  amount  of  com- 
pensation the  pay  received  in  the  past  by  these  officers  of  our  Con- 
ference has  not  been  in  keeping  with  the  importance  and  dignity 
of  the  office ;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  this  Conference  fix  the  amount  to  be  paid  the 
Presiding  Elder  by  each  district,  and  that  these  amounts  be  pro- 
rated or  apportioned  among  the  appointments  on  the  districts. 

REPORT  OF  COMMITTEE  ON   PRESIDING  ELDERS'   CLAIMS 

The  Committee  on  Apportionment  of  Presiding  Elders'  Sal- 
aries for  the  coming  year  would  report  as  follows : 

Resolved,  First,  That  each  field  of  labor,  with  but  very  few 
exceptions,  raise  the  same  amount  of  money  for  the  Presiding 
Elders  as  last  year. 

Resolved,  further,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  preacher 
on  the  first  Sunday  he  is  on  his  field  of  labor  to  clearly  explain 
to  his  people  and  his  official  board  at  each  appointment  the  pur- 
pose and  spirit  of  the  reduced  number  of  Presiding  Elder  districts. 

Resolved,  finally,  That  the  Presiding  Elder  ask  each  preacher- 
in-charge  at  the  first  Quarterly  Conference  whether  the  above  in- 
struction has  been  complied  with. 


Donations  and  Bequests  to  the  Indiana  Conference 
and  Institutions  of  the  Church. 

The  members  of  the  fields  of  labor  of  the  Indiana  Conference, 
blessed  with  this  world's  goods,  believe  in  "honoring  the  Lord  with 
their  substance,"  and  remember  the  various  institutions  of  the 
Conference  and  the  church.  It  is  only  to  be  regretted  that  not 
more  of  our  people  have  received  a  like  vision,  but  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  in  the  near  future  a  goodly  number  of  loyal  Evangeli- 
cals will  join  this  blessed  company  of  royal  givers! 

Many  gifts  have  been  made  during  the  years  that  cannot  be 
put  into  statistics  because  of  their  nature,  but  which  have,  never- 
theless, been  of  untold  blessing.     One  example  of  this  soit  of  giv- 

340 


DONATIONS  AND  BEQUESTS 

ing  may  be  mentioned  as  an  example  of  others :  George  Wise,  Sr. 
(father  of  J.  J.  and  D.  O.  Wise,  ministers  of  our  Conference), 
boarded  and  roomed  three  young,  unmarried  preachers  in  his  own 
home,  a  year  each,  gratis,  while  they  were  serving  the  charge,  of 
which  he  was  a  member.  This  was  a  great  help  and  encourage- 
ment to  these  young  men  and  to  the  Conference. 

The  following  are  the  donations  and  gifts,  so  far  as  can  be 
ascertained,  which  were  made  year  by  year : 

1857 — Peter  Burgener  gave  two  lots,  one  in  Olney,  111.,  and  the 
other  in  Evansville,  Ind.,  to  the  Conference  Missionary  So- 
ciety. 

1858 — John  Kerstetter  gave  the  Conference  Missionary  Society 
$400.00  to  establish  a  permanent  missionary  fund,  on  con- 
dition that  the  Conference  arrange  to  pay  $600.00  on  the 
church  at  South  Bend.  The  Conference  members  responded 
at  once  with  $220.00  toward  the  $600.00.  When  the  preach- 
ers did  so  nobly  the  laity  could  not  be  idle. 

1863— David  Carl  bequeathed  $100.00  to  the  Conference. 

1868 — Emanuel  Niederhauser,  of  Linn  Grove,  gave  $50.00  to  the 
Indiana  Conference  Treasury. 

1871— About  this  year.  Rev.  G.  Kloepfer  willed  $600.00  to  the 
General  Missionary  Society  of  the  church,  but  later  paid  it 
before  his  death  as  an  example  and  incentive  to  others. 

1872 — Elizabeth  Hartung,  member  of  Elkhart  society,  willed  her 
estate  to  the  Indiana  Conference.  The  same  was  applied 
on  the  indebtedness  of  the  Elkhart,  Division  Street  Church, 
with  the  provision  that  half  that  am.ount  shall,  without  in- 
terest, be  applied  to  the  building  of  an  English  church 
in  its  proper  time. 

1886 — Father  Henry  Klein  gave  $300.00  to  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence. 

1892— Hannah  Link,  of  Bremen,  Ind.,  donated  $1,000.00  to  the 
Conference,  to  be  used  as  a  basis  of  a  permanent  church 
building  fund. 

1895 — By  request  of  Conference,  Mrs.  Mary  Porr,  widow  of  Rev. 
P.  Porr,  deeded  her  property  in  Dayton  to  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference, with  the  provision  that  she  retain  a  life  lease  on 
the  same,  and  that  the  Conference  keep  the  property  in  re- 
pair and  pay  the  taxes  thereon.  At  her  death,  in  1912, 
the  property  was  sold  for  $1,300.00,  and  the  proceeds  flowed 
into  the  Conference  Treasury. 

341 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1897 — Rev.  F.  Wiethaup,  being  without  any  direct  heir,  willed  his 
possessions  to  the  church  as  follows :  $600.00  to  the  Gen- 
eral Missionary  Society,  $100.00  to  benevolences,  $100.00 
toward  the  new  church  in  Huntingburg.  The  remainder 
— after  all  necessary  expenses  were  paid — was  to  be  given 
to  mission  work  in  Germany  and  Japan. 

1900— Sister  Fredericke  Wolf,  of  Marshall,  111.,  bequeathed  $200.00 
to  the  Conference,  of  which  $100.00  was  returned  to  the 
local  society  in  Marshall  for  the  repair  of  the  church. 

1902 — John  Voltz,  of  Arlen  Co.,  Ind.,  bequeathed  toward  the  In- 
diana Conference  debt  fund  $100.00. 

1905— The  Spangler  heirs  of  Bunker  Hill,  Ind.,  donated  $100.00 
to  the  Conference,  to  constitute  a  permanent  fund  for  su- 
perannuated preachers,  widows  and  orphans. 

1907— Aug.  Werner,  of  Medaryville,  Ind.,  bequeathed  $400.00  to 
the  Indiana  Conference  Missionary  Society.  Mrs.  Anna 
Mertz,  of  Vera  Cruz,  $50.00,  and  of  Noah  Barnheisel  from 
Akron,  $25.00  was  received.  Mrs.  Geo.  Smith,  of  Salem, 
Elkhart,  $100.00  was  received  in  memory  of  her  son,  Clin- 
ton. Mrs,  Verena,  of  Vera  Cruz,  Ind.,  gave  $25.00.  All 
these  gifts  went  to  the  permanent  missionary  fund  of  the 
Conference. 

1908 — Anna  Rohrer  Schamory,  of  Elkhart,  Ind.,  willed  the  In- 
diana Conference  $150.00,  with  other  bequests  to  general 
benevolences  of  our  church.  Philip  Hertel  and  wife,  of 
Van  Wert,  0.,  bequeathed  $100.00  to  the  Indiana  Conference 
church  building  fund.  Mrs.  Charles  Conrad,  of  Bunker 
Hill  Circuit,  $25.00  to  the  charitable  fund  of  the  Indiana 
Conference,  and  $25.00  to  the  permanent  fund  of  the  In- 
diana Conference  Missionary  Society.  Mrs.  Mary  Holde- 
man,  of  Elkhart,  Ind.,  $125.00  for  the  Indiana  Conference 
permanent  missionary  fund. 

1909— Sister  Mary  Crowder,  of  Bunker  Hill,  gave  $25.00  for  the 
charitable  fund  of  the  Conference.  S.  L,  Smith,  of  Akron, 
Ind.,  and  John  Trachsel,  of  La  Gro,  Ind.,  each  gave  $25.00 
for  the  Conference  student  aid  fund.  Geo.  W.  Green  and 
his  wife,  Julia  J.,  of  near  Winnamac,  Ind.,  deeded  their 
farm  of  80  acres,  and  donated  $2,100.00  in  cash  to  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Indiana  Conference  on  the  annu- 
ity plan,  with  the  provision  that  they  have  the  proceeds 
of  the  farm  and  the  interest  on  the  money  during  their  nat- 
ural life.    After  this  a  proper  division  is  to  be  made.    They 

342 


DONATIONS  AND  BEQUESTS 

also  donated  in  the  form  of  an  annuity  $1,000.00  to  the 
North-Western  College  Endowment  Fund  in  about  1906. 
1910 — Peter  Wiest,  of  Bremen,  Ind.,  provided  in  his  last  will  and 
testament  that,  at  the  death  of  his  wife,  Rachel  Wiest,  the 
Indiana  Conference  should  receive  $1,500.00  for  the  promo- 
tion of  Christ's  cause  within  her  borders,  and  the  Mission- 
ary Society  of  the  Switzerland  Conference  should  receive 
$500.00.  That  $600.00  of  the  donation  to  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference shall  be  placed  in  the  permanent  missionary  fund 
of  the  Conference,  to  be  known  as  the  Peter  Wiest  memorial 
fund.  The  remaining  $900.00  shall  flow  into  the  Confer- 
ence Treasury.  Geo.  Gottschalk,  of  Linn  Grove  charge,  be- 
queathed $100.00  for  missionary  purposes.  This  sum,  by 
the  special  desire  of  the  wife  of  the  deceased,  was  appro- 
priated to  the  Crescent  Avenue  Mission  Church  of  Ft. 
Wayne,  Ind.  A  good  brother  on  Celina  charge  appropriated 
$71.00  of  his  tithe  money  for  the  purchase  of  a  church  lot 
in  Celina,  Ohio.  This  was  a  good  beginning  of  a  prosper- 
ous mission,  now  in  this  city. 

1911 — Through  the  efl'orts  of  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  Brother  Charles 
Meuser,  of  Grand  View,  Spencer  Co.,  Ind.,  gave  a  donation  of 
$5,000.00  on  the  annuity  plan  to  the  Endowment  Fund  of 
North-Western  College,  which  sum  is  to  be  credited  to  the  In- 
diana Conference  over  the  regular  amount  assumed.  At  the 
same  time,  on  the  same  plan,  he  donated  $5,000.00  to  the  Or- 
phan Home  of  the  Evangelical  Association  at  Flat  Rock,  0. 
The  Conference  expressed  her  highest  appreciation  to  this 
brother  for  his  very  generous  gifts  to  these  institutions. 

The  following  gifts  were  given  to  the  Church  Extension 
Society:  Charles  Hartman,  $1,000;  Katherin  Hettler,  $2,500; 
from  Indiana  Conference  church  fund,  $1,247.91 ;  Indiana  Con- 
ference Branch  Young  People's  Alliance,  $765 ;  John  Koch  and 
wife,  $1,000;  Andrew  Kramer,  $1,000;  Andrew  Kramer  fund, 
$2,000;  J.  A.  Oneth,  $100;  D.  L.  Speicher,  $100;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Shoenherr,  $2,000;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  D.  E.  Speicher,  $100;  the  S.  S. 
Speicher  heirs,  $255.35 ;  A.  D.  Kroft,  $100. 

The  following  gifts  were  given  to  the  SUPERANNUATION  FUND : 
Andrew  Kramer,  $1,000;  G.  W.  Frederick,  $500;  E.  F.  Kimmel, 
$500;  Katherin  Hettler,  $500;  D.  L.  Speicher,  $500;  Chas.  Hart- 
man,  $500;  A  Friend  of  Indianapolis,  $500;  John  Koch,  $500; 
Geo.  Schafer,  $125;  F.  H.  Hirsch,  $100;  W.  L.  Miller,  $100;  W.  G. 
Schaefer,  $100;  Harry  Krause,  $100;  J.  E.  Meyer,  $55;  E.  M.  Ray, 

343 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

$50;  Wm.  Mertz,  $50;  W.  L.  Easterday,  $50;  W.  H.  Ecki,  $50; 
A  Friend,  $50;  Frank  Krause,  $50;  A  Friend,  $30;  Winey  Bros., 
$100 ;  P.  Moore,  $25 ;  C.  W.  Grau,  $50 ;  Geo.  Wise,  Sr.,  $25 ;  W.  W. 
McCurtin,  $25;  Incognito,  $25;  J.  W.  Bucks,  $25;  Franklin  Ott, 
$25 ;  Dr.  Carl  Winsch,  $25 ;  Geo.  Schafer,  $25 ;  Geo.  Wise,  Jr.,  $10 ; 
Henry  Schlerb,  $10;  Conrad  Meyer,  $10;  Eliz.  Barnheisel,  $10; 
Mrs.  L.  Cook,  $10;  Ray  Bowen,  $10;  Ira  Faulkner,  $10;  Geo. 
Zechiel,  $10;  Mrs.  R.  Hawk,  $10;  H.  Schuermeier,  $7;  Fred 
Schmoe,  $5 ;  A  Friend,  $5 ;  J.  F.  Ude,  $5 ;  Lillian  Graf,  $5 ;  C.  W. 
Zehner,  $5;  Mrs.  C.  Kalwitz,  $5;  Incognito,  $5;  Phil.  Moore,  $5; 
Mrs.  A.  Schoenherr,  $2;  Chr.  Bandow,  $2;  Gust.  Kalwitz,  $3; 
Fred  Guse,  $1 ;  A  Friend,  $5 ;  Alva  May,  $5 ;  J.  H.  Evans,  in  honor 
of  his  foster  parents,  $100 ;  C.  W.  Zehner,  $100 ;  Noah  C.  Lehman, 
$100;  Chas.  Rhoade,  $100;  F.  C.  Laudeman  and  Wife,  $100;  W. 
Iwan,  $100;  Lewis  Cauffman,  $50;  Mrs.  Mary  Hirschman,  $500; 
Henry  Schlosser,  $500;  John  C.  Soltau,  $100;  A  Friend,  $10;  J. 
W.  Null,  $25;  Mrs.  L.  Parker,  $5;  Rev.  W.  H.  Mygrant,  $5;  Elva 
Lander,  $2 ;  G.  F.  Bandtel,  $20 ;  A  Friend,  $50. 

It  is  to  be  greatly  desired  that  these  noble  and  gracious  gifts 
will  be  a  stimulus  to  others.  The  benevolences  should  be  remem- 
bered by  repeated  givings,  and  in  the  last  will  and  testament. 
One's  life  can  be  made  to  speak  even  though  the  mortal  body 
has  been  laid  to  rest,  and  the  generations  to  come  will  arise  and 
call  "blessed." 


Interesting  Miscellany. 

That  strange  things,  and,  sometimes,  queer  and  even  unjust 
happenings,  occurred  during  these  many  years,  is  only  to  be  ex- 
pected. A  few  of  these  items  are  here  inserted.  In  1856  the  Pre- 
siding Bishop  arrived  at  the  Conference  session  one  whole  day 
late.  The  Conference  had  been  duly  opened,  but,  upon  his  ar- 
rival, it  was  voted  that  he,  the  Bishop,  should  preside  during  the 
remainder  of  the  session !  It  was  his  right,  by  virtue  of  his  office, 
to  do  so  without  any  such  action.  At  the  same  session  it  was  de- 
cided that  each  preacher  going  to  and  returning  from  the  Con- 
ference session  via  the  railroad  must  bear  all  his  own  expense 
in  excess  of  what  it  would  have  cost  him  had  he  gone  per  horse 
and  buggy!  In  '67  a  great  improvement  was  made  in  the  matter 
of  lodging  at  Conference  sessions.  Hitherto  it  had  been  the  rule 
that  every  preacher  attending  the  session  change  the  place  of  his 
lodgings  daily,  but  at  this  session  it  was  decided  that  there  would 

344 


INTERESTING  MISCELLANY 

be  a  change  only  every  other  day.  It  saved  the  transfer  of  the 
luggage  so  often!  In  '98,  when  a  Presiding  Elder  was  to  be 
elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  created  by  the  resignation  of  a  certain 
Presiding  Elder,  it  was  decided  to  elect  one  to  fill  out  the  unex- 
pired term  only.  General  Conference,  however,  decided  this  ac- 
tion to  be  irregular,  and  the  newly  elected  elder  held  his  office  for 
the  full  four  years.  In  '57  each  missionary  was  instructed  and  re- 
quired to  pay  6  per  cent,  interest  on  the  missionary  money  he  re- 
ceived in  excess  of  $25.  In  '97,  when  the  full  appropriation  failed  to 
appear,  each  missionary  was  paid  but  90  per  cent,  of  his  appro- 
priation. This  was  not  only  unjust,  but  exceeding^  oppressive 
to  those  receiving  large  appropriations.  Some  voted  very  heartily 
for  this  unjust  measure,  but  at  the  next  session,  after  they  had 
served  a  year  on  a  mission  field,  they  lost  all  faith  in  such  actions ! 
A  far  better  and  more  brotherly  resolution  was  adopted  in  1907, 
when  it  was  resolved  that,  in  case  there  be  a  deficit  in  the  mis- 
sionary treasury,  all  the  members  of  the  Conference  shall  equally 
share  the  same.  Since  then  the  missionaries  have  received  their 
full  appropriations. 

Flood  experiences  at  two  sessions  were  not  so  pleasant.  In 
1866  and  in  1913  two  notable  floods  harassed  the  territory  of  the 
Conference,  causing  great  loss.  Concerning  the  one  in  '66,  D.  S. 
Oakes  writes :  "This  was  a  very  rainy  season,  resulting  in  high 
water.  When  nearly  the  entire  Indiana  Conference  arrived  at 
Terre  Haute,  on  their  way  home  from  the  session  just  held  at 
Evansville,  Ind.,  they  met  with  a  great  number  of  preachers  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  who  were  likewise  returning 
from  their  session.  The  depot  was  thronged  with  preachers,  and 
it  would  surely  have  been  a  lively  religious  time  had  not  distressing 
news  of  floods  and  impassable  bridges  reached  them.  Presently 
the  word  was  brought  that  the  railroad  bridge  between  Terre 
Haute  and  Indianapolis — the  very  way  that  most  of  the  ministers 
were  going — was  impassable.  A  panic  almost  ensued."  A  few  of 
the  brethren  hastily  boarded  a  train  going  west,  and  in  a  very 
round-about  way  finally  reached  home.  The  great  majority  had 
to  spend  nearly  a  week  before  they  reached  home.  In  1913  a  deep 
depression  rested  upon  the  Conference  session,  caused  by  the  ter- 
rible and  disastrous  flood  reaching  over  Indiana  and  Ohio,  which 
caused  the  destruction  of  property  amounting  to  millions  of  dol- 
lars, and  many  deaths  in  some  cities.  Many  of  our  own  people 
in  Dayton,  0.,  Ft.  Wayne,  Peru  and  Logansport  sustained  great 
loss,  and  considerable  damage  was  done  to  their  churches.  How- 
ever, none  of  our  members  lost  their  lives,   for  which   all   were 

345 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

devoutly  thankful,  though  some  had  very  narrow  escapes.  A  num- 
ber of  the  ministers  had  a  hard  and  perilous  time  to  get  to  In- 
dianapolis, the  place  of  Conference  session.  Some  arrived  quite 
late.  One  did  not  get  to  come  at  all,  due  to  the  flood  robbing  him 
of  his  necessary  apparel.  These  facts  brought  a  depression  upon 
all  that  could  not  be  shaken  off,  and  which  had  a  visible  etfect 
upon  the  session  of  the  Conference.  Action  was  taken  by  the 
Conference  to  look  after  the  interests  of  our  flood  sufferers  in  a 
financial  way.  The  people  of  other  congregations  who  escaped 
the  flood  at  once  liberally  responded  to  appeals  for  aid,  one  so- 
ciety giving  $1,000.00,  and  the  committees  appointed  to  make  the 
distribution  of  the  flood  fund  nobly  discharged  their  duties  with 
fairness  to  all  concerned.  The  suffering  congregations  gratefully 
received  this  help  from  their  church  friends. 

Once  in  a  while  reprimands  were  delivered  to  delinquent 
brethren.  In  '60  one  brother  had  to  hear  of  it  that  he  left  his 
field  during  the  year  without  a  valid  reason.  In  '66  another  was 
severely  censured  because  he  broke  an  engagement  vow,  and,  there- 
fore, had  his  ordination  as  deacon  deferred.  A  third  had  charges 
preferred  against  him  in  '73  because  he  consulted  a  fortune-teller. 
He  humbly  sought  forgiveness  for  his  gross  error  and  was  re- 
tained. A  fourth  was  brought  to  task  for  absence  from  the  Con- 
ference session  and  for  not  presenting  his  annual  reports  in  a 
proper  way. 

At  various  times  brotherly  acts  of  kindness  were  shown  in  a 
financial  way.  One  brother  was  reimbursed  for  money  which  had 
been  lost  in  transit  to  the  Publishing  House.  Another  was  helped 
to  purchase  a  horse  in  place  of  one  he  had  accidentally  lost  by 
death.  Still  another  received  aid  who  had  lost  a  valuable  part  of 
his  household  effects  in  moving.  And  a  number  of  such  happen- 
ings occurred  to  cheer  and  assist  a  brother  in  need. 

Woman  Sufl'rage  was  upheld  in  the  church.  In  1871,  in 
answer  to  a  Mrs.  H.,  of  Indianapolis,  whether  women  have  a  right 
to  vote  in  church  affairs,  the  following  declaration  was  given  by 
the  Conference :  No  church  society  has  the  right  to  deny  women 
who  are  full  members  of  the  society  the  right  to  vote  in  business 
meetings  of  the  church,  in  view  of  the  fact  that  women  are  ex- 
pected to  take  part  in  defraying  the  church  expenses,  and  espe- 
cially also  in  view  of  the  fact  that  there  are  widows  and  maiden 
ladies  in  societies  who  can  have  no  substitutes,  and  would,  there- 
fore, be  wrong  to  deprive  them  of  their  franchise. 

Several  times  since  Woman  Suffrage,  in  a  national  sense,  has 
been  endorsed  by  suitable  resolutions. 

346 


INTERESTING  MISCELLANY 

In  1867  the  Conference  got  the  mutual  aid  fever  and  appointed 
a  committee,  consisting  of  B.  Hoffman,  M.  W.  Steffey  and  E.  L. 
Kiplinger,  and,  after  a  year  of  patient  waiting,  the  project  was 
abandoned  with  disgust. 

In  1878  initiatory  steps  were  taken  to  inaugurate  "The  In- 
diana Conference  Fire  Insurance  Co."  Blanks  were  issued,  and  a 
constitution  with  by-laws  was  formulated,  which  ended  the  mat- 
ter !  In  1895  a  committee  of  three  was  appointed  to  draft  a  suit- 
able constitution  for  a  mutual  fire  insurance  for  our  churches  and 
parsonages,  and  in  '97  the  Conference  Board  of  Trustees  was  em- 
powered to  take  such  steps  as  were  necessary  to  complete  such  or- 
ganization. After  a  delay  of  several  years  it  was  discovered  that, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  the  Indiana  Conference  extended  into  four 
States,  it  would  be  impractical  to  comply  with  the  fire  insurance 
requirements  of  each  of  these  States,  and,  in  1900,  the  project  was 
dropped. 

It  seems  as  though  tobacco  was  used  by  some  of  the  Confer- 
ence members  during  the  sessions.  Hence  it  was  tabooed  in  '62, 
'71,  '86,  forbidden  altogether,  at  last,  to  new  applicants  for  the 
ministry.  The  resolution  of  '62  reads:  "It  shall  not  be  permit- 
ted for  any  member  of  the  Conference  to  use  tobacco  on  the  Con- 
ference floor" !  War  was  considered  as  a  great  evil,  but  a  lesser 
evil  than  slavery,  and,  therefore,  none  were  prohibited  from  taking 
active  part.  The  disapproval  of  the  Conference  of  '60  rested  upon 
secret  societies  and  Sunday-school  gift  and  reward  books ;  upon 
the  former  because  they  were  considered  a  detriment  to  real  church 
life,  and  the  latter  were  considered  a  species  of  lottery.  The  ses- 
sion of  1885  condemned  the  skating  rink  as  "a  grave  evil,"  and  to 
be  shunned. 

In  1914  every  preacher  that  failed  to  have  the  episcopal  por- 
tion in  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  by  October  was  called  to  give 
account  of  such  negligence. 

In  1871  Republican  candidates  for  United  States  President 
and  Vice-President,  U.  S.  Grant  and  S.  Colfax,  respectively,  were 
made  honorary  members  of  the  Indiana  Conference  Missionary 
Society,  and  Mr.  Seymore  a  life  member.  J.  Kaufman,  and  lay 
members  W.  Just  and  C.  Liphart,  of  South  Bend,  had  the  honor 
of  presenting  the  certificate  to  Mr.  Colfax. 

PARSONAGES 

Whereas,  Quite  a  few  of  our  parsonages  are  not  kept  in  a  com- 
fortable condition  and  in  good  repairs;  and 

347 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Whereas,  The  moving;  of  heavy  furniture  involves  a  risk  and 
expense;  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  we  commend  those  societies  who  have  taken 
advanced  steps  in  these  matters  and  would  encourage  others  to  in- 
stall furnaces  and  other  heavy  furnishings. 

District  Parsonages. — The  agitation  of  securing  district  par- 
sonages resulted  in  appointing  the  following  persons  to  assist  the 
Presiding  Elders  in  this  matter:  Ft.  Wayne  District,  Mrs.  Cath. 
Hettler  and  And.  Gottschalk ;  Indianapolis  District,  And.  Kramer 
and  E.  Pfaul;  Elkhart  District,  G.  W.  Frederick  and  E.  Hering; 
Louisville  District,  H.  Duffendach  and  L.  Katterhenry.  No  further 
action  was  taken. 

Several  unusual,  but  very  pleasant,  events  occurred  during 
the  Conference  sessions.  In  '86,  on  Sunday,  the  Conference  had 
the  privilege  of  having  the  presence  of  two  distinguished  divines 
from  the  United  Brethren  Church.  Bishops  Wright  and  Weaver. 
Bishop  Thomas  Bowman  invited  them  to  participate  in  the  ordi- 
nation of  all  deacons,  namely,  G.  B.  Holdeman,  P.  A.  Orth  and  F. 
Rausch.  In  '91,  Kichinosukee  Kaneko,  a  Japanese,  was  licensed 
as  a  preacher  on  probation,  as  the  Japan  Conference  had  not  yet 
been  organized.  Going  to  the  Conference  at  Huntingburg,  in  1908, 
a  special  car  was  chartered  from  Indianapolis  for  the  brethren 
coming  from  Northern  Indiana,  who  were  thus  spared  the  incon- 
venience of  making  three  changes  on  the  road.  It  was  a  great  and 
uplifting  experience,  and  highly  appreciated  by  all  in  the  group. 

In  1912  the  General  Conference  officers  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  residing  in  Dayton,  were  introduced  to  Conference  in  a 
body,  whereupon  Dr.  Funk,  publisher,  and  Colonel  Cowden  ad- 
dressed Conference  in  a  fraternal  manner.  The  chairman  re- 
sponded to  the  address  in  a  very  befitting  manner. 

The  following  suitable  resolutions  were  read  and  adopted : 

Whereas,  The  General  Conference  officers  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren Church,  resident  in  Dayton,  0.,  have  visited  our  Conference 
in  a  body,  and  have  thus  manifested  a  most  affectionate  fraternal 
and  Christian  spirit,  to  which  Dr.  Fank,  their  spokesman,  and 
Colonel  Cowden  have  given  voice  in  most  felicitous  addresses ; 
therefore 

Resolved,  (1)  That  we  greatly  rejoice  in  this  unusual  occur- 
rence, which  portends  a  constantly  increasing  spirit  of  unity  and 
fraternity  among  the  followers  of  Him  who  prayed  that  we  should 
be  one  in  order  that  the  world  might  believe. 

(2)      That   we    rejoice    in    the    continued    prosperity    of   the 
United  Brethren  in  Christ,  in  all  their  interests  and  enterprises, 

348 


INTERESTING  MISCELLANY 

and  sincerely  wish  them  an  ever  enlarging  sphere  of  influence  and 
usefulness. 

(3)  That  we  heartily  reciprocate  this  fraternal  spirit  and 
earnestly  pray  that  the  spiritual  descendants  of  Philip  Otterbein 
and  of  Jacob  Albright,  one  in  doctrine,  one  in  spirit,  one  in  method, 
one  in  polity,  practically  contemporaneous  in  history,  may  more 
and  more  foster  and  promote  the  spirit  of  unity  and  co-operation 
which  is  so  essential  to  the  highest  realization  of  God's  purpose 
for  His  church  in  the  world. 

In  1915,  the  Reverends  E.  J.  Maupin,  Willard  Pell,  E.  E. 
DeWitt  and  0.  A.  Trabue,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  rep- 
resenting a  fraternal  delegation  from  the  North  Indiana  Confer- 
ence of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  were  introduced  to  Con- 
ference. 

Dr.  Trabue  conveyed  the  greetings  of  said  Conference  now  in 
session  at  Auburn,  Indiana.  The  chairman  responded  in  a  few 
w^ell-chosen  remarks. 

The  following  resolution  was  then  adopted : 

Inasmuch,  As  the  Committee  on  Resolutions  will  not  be  able 
to  report  concerning  the  visit  of  the  fraternal  delegation  of  the 
North  Indiana  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  to 
this  Conference  in  the  presence  of  these  visiting  brethren ;  there- 
fore  be   it 

Resolved,  That  we,  as  a  Conference,  greatly  appreciate  the 
spirit  manifested  by  this  fraternal  visitation.  That  we  have  lis- 
tened with  pleasure  to  the  fraternal  address  of  their  spokesman, 
Dr.  Trabue,  and  that  we  respectfully  request  him  to  convey  the 
greetings  of  this  Conference  to  the  Northern  Indiana  Conference 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 

A  DOCTRINAL  STATEMENT 

At  the  session,  held  in  1897,  the  following  holiness  resolution 
was  adopted : 

Whereas,  The  subject  of  Holiness  has  been  discussed  and  con- 
sidered on  this  Conference  floor,  and 

Whereas,  There  has  arisen  a  difterence  of  opinion  regarding 
whether  or  not  sanctification  is  a  second  work  of  God  in  the  heart ; 
therefore 

Resolved,  That  we,  as  members  of  the  Indiana  Conference, 
will  stand  by  the  doctrine  of  holiness  as  taught  by  our  church  fa- 
thers and  as  has  been  explained  by  our  Senior  Bishop,  J.  J.  Esher, 
on  this  Conference  floor,  viz.,  "That  entire  sanctification  is  not  to 

349 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

be  considered  as  a  second  work,  distinct  from  regeneration,  but 
as  an  advanced  and  higher  degree  of  the  believer's  state  of  grace, 
and  in  the  divine  life  into  which  he  enters  in  regeneration,  where- 
by he  is  made  a  partaker  of  the  divine  nature  and  the  divine  life^ 
and  becomes  a  temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  by  whom  he  is  sealed  unto 
Christ  and  the  communion  of  his  saints,  and  who  dwells  in  him 
as  the  earnest  of  his  inheritance  here,  in  the  kingdom  of  grace, 
and  finally  in  the  kingdom  of  glory,  and  by  whose  gracious  work  in 
him  he  is  cleansed  from  all  sin  and  perfected  in  the  love  of  God, 
to  keep  the  commandments  of  God,  and  to  a  constantly  increasing 
growth  in  divine  knowledge,  spiritual  strength,  fruitfulness  in 
good  works,  and  blessedness  of  this  state  of  grace,  all  of  which  has 
its  beginning  in  regeneration,  whereby  its  elements  and  potency 
are  implanted  in  the  heart  of  the  regenerate,  or  the  child  of  God, 
and  to  the  perfection  whereof  the  child  of  God  attains  by  walk- 
ing in  the  light  of  God's  truth,  and  by  the  faith  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Entire  sanctification,  then,  is  not  a  second  and  separate  work 
from  regeneration,  but,  rather,  the  continuation  of  our  renewal 
and  perfection  in  Christ  by  one  and  the  same  gracious  work  of  the 
Holy  Spirit." 


Reminiscences. 

BY  D.   S.   OAKES  AND  OTHERS 

In  the  early  days  of  the  Conference,  two  of  the  great  pioneers 
from  another  Conference,  and  who  were  now  well  along  in  years, 
were  to  preach  at  one  of  the  sessions.  These  great  men  from 
abroad  were  to  be  an  inspiration  and  pattern  to  the  young,  in- 
experienced men  that  formed  this  new  Conference.  But,  alas ! 
both  of  them  were  so  badly  brushed  that  no  one  knew  just  what 
they  wanted  to  say !  This  was  an  encouragement  to  the  young  and 
timid  men  of  the  Conference ! 

Bishop  Jos.  Long  was  not  only  noted  for  his  extraordinary 
profundity,  eloquence  and  unction,  but,  also,  for  a  peculiar  brusque- 
ness  of  speech  which  not  only  caused  some  to  fear  him,  but,  also, 
sometimes  caused  himself  deep  regret.  At  the  Conference  ses- 
sion, held  at  East  Germantown,  in  1862,  a  resolution  was  passed, 
requiring  the  Bishop  to  go  to  a  certain  place  to  try  to  effect  the  ad- 
justment of  a  very  unpleasant  and  complicated  affair.  The  Bishop 
demurred,  but  the  Conference  was  inflexible.  When  he  saw  the 
inevitable  he  impulsively  exclaimed,  "Da  mocht'  der  Hund  Bischof 
sein"    (Here  the  dog  might  be  Bishop).     The  inconsiderate  and 

350 


REMINISCENCES 

uncouth  expression  struck  the  Conference  with  manifest  astonish- 
ment, mingled  with  disapproval,  which,  of  course,  the  Bishop  ob- 
served, and  he  realized  the  impropriety  of  his  undignified  exclama- 
tion. At  noon  one  of  the  Presiding  Elders,  boarding  at  the  same 
place  with  the  Bishop,  having  occasion  to  go  up-stairs,  was  aston- 
ished to  find  the  Bishop  sitting  on  one  of  the  steps  of  the  stair- 
way with  deeply  bowed  head.  He  asked :  "Ei,  Bischof,  was  machst 
du  da?"  (Why,  Bishop,  what  are  you  doing  here?).  The  reply 
was:  "Ich  bin  am  Busse  tun"  (I  am  repenting). 

A  certain  well-meaning  brother  in  the  Conference  was  dis- 
posed to  have  something  to  say,  whether  pertinent  or  otherwise, 
upon  every  subject  coming  before  the  Conference.  It  tried  the 
Bishop's  patience.  One  day  this  good  brother  again  arose,  with- 
out really  having  anything  to  say  to  the  point,  and  began  some- 
what hesitatingly,  when  the  Bishop,  adjusting  his  wig,  looked  out 
from  beneath  his  massive  eyebrows,  said,  "Brother,  if  you  don't 
know  anything  to  say,  keep  still."  This  same  brother,  on  an- 
other occasion,  having  left  the  Conference  room,  returned  just  as 
the  "ayes"  on  some  motion  were  being  called.  Without  knowing- 
at  all  what  was  pending,  he  responded  with  a  voluminous  "Ja" 
(Aye),  The  Bishop  looked  at  him  somewhat  humorously  and 
asked,  "Brother,  what  did  you  vote  for?"  The  brother  was  non- 
plussed, but  not  suppressed,  and  the  Conference  was  amused. 

At  the  Conference  of  1865  it  was  the  privilege  of  D.  S.  Oakes 
to  share  the  Bishop's  place  of  entertainment  at  Dr.  B.'s.  The  doc- 
tor was  very  partial  to  "secret  orders,"  and  the  Bishop  was  equally 
averse.  On  Sabbath  morning  the  Bishop  rose  early  and,  taking  his 
seat  in  the  family  sitting-room,  was  intently  studying  his  Bible, 
preparatory  for  his  ordination  sermon  of  the  day.  As  soon  as  the 
doctor  came  in  he  began  a  strong  advocacy  of  a  certain  order.  The 
Bishop  answered  in  monosyllables.  This  was  continued  until  time 
for  family  worship.  After  prayer  the  doctor  again  began  and 
resumed  his  fusillade  after  they  were  seated  at  the  breakfast  table. 
Finally  the  Bishop  said  very  calmly,  "Doctor,  if  I  were  not  afraid 
of  offending  you,  I  would  like  to  say  something."  "Oh,  no,  no," 
said  the  doctor,  in  his  most  suave  manner,  "you  will  not  offend 
me  at  all."  "Well,"  said  the  Bishop,  sternly,  "all  morning  you 
have  been  annoying  me  with  your  talk  about  your  orders,  and 
you  know  I  have  to  preach  today.  /  believe  it  is  of  the  devil. 
The  doctor  was  most  effectually  squelched. 

D.  S.  Oakes,  in  speaking  of  old  pioneer  workers,  their  guile- 
lessness  and  unselfishness  in  their  labors  with  one  another  for  the 
Master,  cites  two  cases :  "Rev.  B.  was  a  college  graduate  and  a 

351 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

man  of  courteous  manner  and  gentlemanly  bearing.  On  a  certain 
field  of  labor,  which  he  served,  lived  a  Brother  M.,  who  was  illit- 
erate and  who  harbored  an  innate  antipathy  to  the  preachers,  espe- 
cially if  he  was  solicited  to  contribute  for  any  benevolent  or  re- 
ligious cause.  After  Rev.  B.  had  left  the  work  his  successor,  one 
day  conversing  with  M.,  in  some  way  mentioned  Rev.  B.'s  name, 
whereupon  he  was  greeted  with,  "Huh !  B.  don't  know  as  much  as 
a  last  year's  bird's-nest."  As  a  contrast  to  the  above,  Bro.  Oakes 
cited  a  case  of  a  brother  who  was  three  years  under  his  pastorate, 
who  called  himself  "Joe,"  and  by  the  people  was  generally  called 
"Honest  Joe,"  He  came  out  of  "Babel,"  as  he  himself  often  said, 
and  thanked  God  publicly  that  he  came  to  the  light.  He  was  con- 
verted and  joined  the  church  some  time  in  the  '40's.  0.  says,  "One 
day  he  brought  me  a  load  of  haj^ ;  as  he  was  driving  in,  a  neighbor, 
an  old  and  prominent  citizen,  came  across  the  way  to  look  at  it.  I 
remarked,  'That  is  good  hay,  Mr.  I.'  He  replied,  'If  Joe  says  so 
it  is.'  I  felt  proud  of  my  rural  parishioner.  His  regular  sub- 
scription at  the  annual  renewal  of  their  missionary  auxiliary  was 
ten  dollars,  besides  his  frequent  special  contributions  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  yet  his  farm  consisted  of  but  40  acres.  One  day  I  drove 
out  to  Joe's  house,  and  while  there  he  asked  me  if  I  knew  of  any- 
one wanting  to  buy  a  good  young  cow.  I  said,  'Yes,  Brother  H. 
has  just  lost  his  cow.'  The  H.  family  were  poor  members  of  our 
church  in  town.  Joe  looked  queer  and  shrugged  his  shoulders.  I 
was  surprised  until  he  said,  in  his  quaint  drawl,  'Yes,  I  don't  like  to 
let  H.  have  her,  for  I  don't  like  to  charge  him  full  value,  since 
he  is  a  poor  man,  and  this  is  not  my  cow,  but  the  Lord's,  and  I 
don't  like  to  sell  her  under  value.'  He  then  told  me  how  the  dam 
of  this  cow,  when  a  calf  had  sickened  and  he  had  promised  the 
Lord  if  he  would  spare  the  dam  for  the  calf's  sake,  he  would  raise 
the  calf  for  him."  He  also  told  me  of  an  experience  he  once  had 
with  a  fine  calf  which  was  a  gift  to  the  Lord.  "One  day  the 
butcher  came  to  buy  it.  He  wanted  seven  dollars  for  it,  but  the 
butcher  said  he  would  give  but  six ;  so  he  let  him  take  it.  But  no 
sooner  was  the  butcher  gone  than  the  devil  came  and  said, 
'Ah,  ha,  Joe,  if  that  had  been  your  calf  you  would  have  stuck  for 
your  seven  dollars,  but  since  it  was  the  Lord's,  and  didn't  affect 
your  pocket-book,  you  let  it  go.'  'But,'  said  Joe,  'I  soon  got  ahead 
of  the  old  fellow  there.  I  reached  into  my  pocket  and  put  another 
dollar  to  it.  So  now  I  want  full  price  for  this  cow.'  "  Joe  also 
had  an  orchard  in  which  one  tree  was  the  Lord's,  and  all  the  pro- 
ceeds of  it  that  could  be  disposed  of  went  for  some  special  religious 
purpose.    It  was  a  remarkable  fact,  observed  by  many  and  by  me, 

352 


REMINISCENCES 

that  one  year,  while  all  the  orchards  between  B.  and  M.,  a  dis- 
tance of  fifteen  miles,  were  nearly  without  fruit,  Joe's  orchard, 
the  Lord's  tree  included,  was  loaded. 

D.  S.  Oakes  once  related  a  circumstance  about  as  follows : 
At  a  revival,  held  in  Eastern  Indiana,  a  big  sinner,  possessing  a 
deep  voice,  came  to  the  altar  with  other  penitents.  He  bawled  out 
loudly  for  mercy.  But  it  was  soon  discovered  that  he  was  feigning 
penitence.  The  preacher  then  bowed  in  prayer,  imploring  God 
to  save  the  sincere  penitent,  and  then  he  asked  the  Lord  to  have 
pity  upon  this  big,  bawling  bullfrog.  This  stopped  his  bawling 
and  mockery.  After  this  he  was  known  as  "big  bullfrog"  in  this 
community. 

At  the  Conference  session  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  1898,  a  witty 
remark  fell  from  the  presiding  Bishop.  A  young  brother,  who, 
upon  the  discussion  of  some  subject,  arose  and  stood  in  the  main 
aisle,  close  to  the  Bishop,  said,  "I  fail  to  have  an  understanding," 
and  then  hesitated,  when,  suddenly,  the  Bishop  saw  his  good-sized 
feet,  said,  "It  appears  to  me  you  have  considerable  undei^standing." 

At  a  revival  meeting,  conducted  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  in  Bippus,  Ind.,  the  historian  assisted  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal pastor.  One  evening,  when  the  pastor  gave  the  invitation 
for  sinners  to  bow  at  the  altar,  two  young  men  came  forward  from 
the  rear  of  the  church,  knelt  at  the  altar,  then,  putting  their 
hands  before  their  faces,  looked  at  each  other  between  their 
fingers  and  grinned.  This  was  seen  by  the  brother  assisting,  who 
determined  that  it  was  meant  for  pure  mockery,  or  a  huge  joke. 
Having  so  informed  the  pastor,  who  rather  doubted  their  insin- 
ceritj^  he  asked  a  United  Brethren  class-leader  to  talk  law  and 
Gospel  to  one,  while  he  would  attend  to  the  other.  The  mockers 
grew  uncomfortable  and  wished  themselves  away.  But  there  was 
no  getting  away,  as  both  were  constantly  spoken  to  with  great 
earnestness  to  the  close  of  the  meeting.  When  the  meeting  was 
out  they  both  broke  for  the  door.  The  next  morning  it  was  learned 
that  the  saloon-keeper  of  the  village  had  dared  them  out  to  the 
altar  on  a  wager  of  $5.00  and  all  the  beer  they  wanted  to  drink 
that  night.  They  brought  evidence  to  the  saloon-keeper  that  they 
were  at  the  altar  and  got  their  money  and  beer.  Then  the  saloon- 
keeper dared  them  to  repeat  the  act  upon  a  second  wager.  But 
they  would  not  for  any  money  or  beer.  They  had  their  fill  of  go- 
ing to  the  altar.  They  confessed  they  had  a  hot  time  at  the  altar 
and  would  not  venture  any  more  such  experiences  and  be  talked 
to  as  they  were  that  night. 

353 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

An  eccentric  Brother  M.  in  the  city  of  K.  was  a  general 
"knocker."  He  was  bitter  against  organs  in  church,  claiming 
that  the  very  devil  lives  in  them.  He  found  great  fault  with 
preachers  who  wore  whiskers  or  a  mustache.  He  said  one  time 
that  preachers  with  a  mustache  remind  him  of  a  man  who  tried 
to  swallow  a  whole  fox  and  could  not  get  the  tail  down.  He  was  a 
stauncl'i  Democrat,  and,  having  little  use  for  a  Republican,  when 
his  wife  died  he  carefully  chose  pall-bearers  of  his  party,  but  after 
the  funeral  was  to  discover  that  he  had  had  one  Republican ! 

In  '87,  P.  E.  Berger  found  it  necessary  to  locate,  and,  there- 
fore, resigned  his  office  soon  after  Conference.  H.  Arlen,  who 
had  been  appointed  to  Van  Wert,  was  elected  in  his  place.  Some- 
one would  have  to  be  sent  to  Van  Wert,  and  word  came  to  S.  H, 
Baumgartner  from  his  Presiding  Elder  that  in  all  probability 
he  would  have  to  move  to  Van  Wert.  The  people  at  West  Point, 
now  Bippus,  where  B.  was  stationed,  strenuously  resisted,  and, 
moreover,  the  elder  instructed  him  to  wait  for  more  definite  in- 
formation. One  card  after  another  came,  bringing  the  same  in- 
telligence. After  a  five  weeks'  suspense  word  was  received  to  get 
ready  to  move  to  Van  Wert.  Carpets  that  had  been  carefully 
tacked  down  were  just  ready  to  be  taken  up,  when,  lo,  a  telegram 
came,  saying,  "You  need  not  move;  J.  H.  Evans  will  go  to  Van 
Wert."  It  was,  indeed,  a  tedious  trial  for  one  just  starting  out, 
but  a  good  brother  consolingly  allowed,  "If  Brother  B.  and  his^ 
wife  are  gold,  they  will  endure  the  test" ! 


General  Conference  Recommendations 

The  Indiana  Conference  has  ever  been  in  the  forefront  in  the 
great  work  of  the  church,  and  has  manifested  it  by  active  interest 
in  the  deliberations  of  the  General  Conference.  Among  the  many 
recommendations  that  she  presented  these  seem  to  be  of  most 
vital  concern : 

1854.  That  the  basis  of  ministerial  representation  to  Gen- 
eral Conference  be  one  for  every  seven  ministers  in  the  itinerancy 
instead  of  one  to  four,  as  had  been  the  case  heretofore,  and  that 
the  exhorter's  term  of  office  be  two  years,  as  is  the  case  of  class- 
leaders. 

1899.  That  a  suitable  Quarterly  Conference  record  be  pub- 
lished, wherein  the  proceedings  of  the  Quarterly  Conferences  may 
be  properly  and  uniformly  recorded. 

354 


GENERAL  CONFERENCE  RECOMMENDATIONS 

1907.  The  Conference  voted  against  the  removal  of  the  time 
h!mit  by  a  vote  of  62  to  9. 

1915.  Again  the  Conference,  this  time  unanimously,  voted 
against  the  removal  of  the  time  limit. 

LAY  DELEGATES  TO  GENERAL  CONFERENCE 

Inasmuch  as  the  present  law  of  electing  nominees  as  candi- 
dates for  lay  delegates  to  General  Conference  (Discipline,  para- 
graph No.  86,  page  59)  is  somewhat  cumbersome  to  carry  out,  and 
does  not  always  result  in  the  election  of  the  best  and  most  effi- 
cient men  for  lay  delegates  to  General  Conference,  from  the  fact 
that  many  Quarterly  Conferences  are  unfamiliar  with  the  needs 
of  the  church  and  the  ability  of  men  on  the  different  fields ;  there- 
fore 

Resolved,  That  we  recommend  that  the  present  law  shall  be 
so  amended  as  to  read,  "The  lay  delegates  to  General  Conference 
shall  be  elected  from  among  the  lay  delegates  and  alternates  in  the 
Annual  Conference  at  the  annual  session  immediately  preceding 
the  session  of  the  General  Conference,"  thus  assuring  as  lay  dele- 
gates to  the  General  Conference  men  who  have  at  least  some  ex- 
perience in  Conference  work,  and  thus  also  do  away  with  the 
necessity  of  electing  the  nominees  for  candidates  to  Annual  Con- 
ference by  the  Quarterly  Conference  members,  as  now  prescribed. 

Resolved,  further.  That  the  secretary  of  each  Annual  Confer- 
ence shall  provide  printed  ballots  with  the  names  of  such  dele- 
gates and  alternates  at  the  time  of  election  of  lay  delegates  to  Gen- 
eral Conference,  from  which  number  the  members  of  Annual  Con- 
ference shall  elect  the  required  number  of  lay  delegates  and  alter- 
nates to  General  Conference. 

REVISION    OF    CHURCH    HYMNAL 

Since  it  is  very  essential  that  every  church  has  and  use  in  the 
public  worship  a  hymnal  peculiarly  her  own,  and  believing  that  the 
Evangelical  Hymnal  should  hold  such  a  place  in  our  denomination, 
but  being  convinced  that  its  revision  would  make  it  even  a  greater 
blessing  than  it  is  now ;  be  it 

Resolved,  That  the  Indiana  Conference  delegates  to  General 
Conference  be  instructed  to  petition  that  body  for  an  action  which 
will  at  once  effect  such  revision. 

CONCERNING    GRADUATES 

Resolved,  That  our  delegates  to  the  coming  General  Confer- 
ence be  instructed  to  introduce  and  support  the  following  rec- 
ommendation from  the  Indiana  Conference : 

355 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Whereas,  North-Western  College  and  the  Evangelical  Theo- 
logical Seminary,  of  Naperville,  Illinois,  and  Schuylkill  Seminary, 
of  Reading,  Pa.,  are  Evangelical  institutions,  founded  by  Evangel- 
icals, for  Evangelicals,  in  charge  of  competent,  loyal  Evangelicals ; 
and 

Whereas,  The  requirement  that  students  of  these  institutions 
pass  the  academic  and  theological  studies,  provided  by  the  Confer- 
ence Examining  Boards,  imposes  heavy  and  needless  burdens  upon 
such  candidates  for  ministerial  orders  who  have  already  completed 
such  studies  in  the  regular  curriculum  of  these  schools ;  and 

Whereas,  Such  requirement  serves  practically  to  discount 
the  woik  of  our  own  institutions  of  learning, 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  we  recommend — 

1.  That  there  be  framed  and  included  in  the  Discipline  of 
the  Evangelical  Association,  a  provision  which  shall  exempt  stu- 
dents of  our  educational  institutions  from  examinations  in  any 
and  all  studies  properly  completed  in  these  institutions. 

2.  That  in  order  to  claim  such  exemption  the  candidates 
must  present  proper  certificates  from  these  schools,  attesting  the 
fact  that  they  have  passed  examination  in  the  studies  mentioned. 

3.  That  certificates  and  diplomas  from  any  other  institu- 
tions, recognized  as  of  equal  rank  with  the  above  mentioned  schools, 
may  be  accepted  as  evidence  of  the  scholarship  of  the  candidate. 

4.  That  any  licentiate  who  has  completed  the  full  course 
of  study  in  the  Evangelical  Theological  Seminary  and  has  passed 
the  examinations  entitling  him  to  a  diploma  from  that  institu- 
tion, shall  be  excused  from  examination  in  all  the  biblical  and 
theological  studies  in  the  Conference  courses. 

5.  That  the  General  Conference  shall  appoint  a  commission 
which  shall  formulate  a  uniform  test  as  to  the  licentiate's  per- 
sonal attitude  to  the  doctrines  and  faith  of  the  Evangelical  Asso- 
ciation. 


Lay  Delegation  to  Annual  Conference. 

The  Conference  session  of  1909  was  privileged  to  have  the 
presence  of  lay  delegates.  It  was  an  innovation  that  was  hearti- 
ly welcomed  and  more  thoroughly  appreciated  as  the  years  went 
by.  At  the  session,  held  in  1910,  the  lay  delegates  presented  the 
following  resolution  that  was  signed  by  all  of  them: 

To  the  members  of  the  Indiana  Conference :  "We,  the  lay 
members  of  your  Conference,  desire  to  express  our  appreciation 

356 


GENERAL   CONFERENCE   RECOMMENDATIONS 

of  the  cordiality,  courtesy  and  love  shown  us  while  among  you 
during-  this  session,  and  to  assure  you  that  the  enlarged  under- 
standing of  the  Pastors'  and  Presiding  Elders'  duties  and  diffi- 
culties that  has  come  to  us  during  this  session,  relation  shall  be 
the  means  of  stimulating  us  to  a  still  closer  co-operation  in  our 
respective  societies.  We  also  desire  to  call  upon  our  lay  mem- 
bers as  a  whole  to  aid  with  their  means,  their  prayers,  and  in 
every  possible  way  the  work  of  their  Pastors  and  Presiding  El- 
ders. Particularly  do  we  feel  that  we  should  do  all  that  we  can 
to  bring  about  the  payment  of  a  commensurate  compensation  to 
the  men  who  so  self-sacrificingly  serve  their  God  and  us,  and, 
further,  that  we  should  urge  the  hearty  support  of  our  lay  mem- 
bers to  every  effort  of  their  Pastors  and  Presiding  Elders  in  rais- 
ing funds  for  the  objects  of  our  Conference,  the  church  at  large 
and  God's  Kingdom  in  general." 

In  1911  the  lay  delegates  presented  the  following  resolution 
with  reference  to  the  reunion  of  the  spiritual  sons  of  Albright: 

As  representatives  of  the  lay  members  of  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference, we,  the  undersigned  lay  delegates  in  attendance  at  this 
the  fifty-ninth  session,  desire  to  express  our  joy  at  the  prelim- 
inary steps  which  have  been  taken  to  bring  about  the  union  of  the 
Evangelical  Association  and  the  United  Evangelical  Church.  We 
believe  this  feeling  is  shared  by  the  lay  members  generally,  and 
sincerely  hope  and  earnestly  pray  that  in  the  providence  of  God 
this  desirable  object  may  be  accomplished  in  the  near  future, 
and  that  it  may  truly  be  said  that  "we  are  not  divided.  All  one 
body  we.  One  in  hope  and  doctrine,  One  in  charity."  F.  H. 
Hersh,  E.  G.  Eberhardt,  J.  E.  May,  Samuel  Wise,  Noah  Barnhei- 
sel,  E.  A.  Zerkel,  N.  C.  Lehman,  E.  F.  Kimmel,  G.  W.  Frederick, 
L.  Miller,  Chas.  B.  Braitling,  E.  M.  Ray,  L.  Katterhenry,  G. 
Swartzlose. 

At  the  session,  held  in  1912,  the  lay  delegates  offered  the 
following  resolutions : 

We,  the  lay  delegates  in  attendance  at  the  sixtieth  session 
of  the  Indiana  Conference,  desire  to  express  our  appreciation  of 
the  action  taken  at  the  last  General  Conference  of  the  Evangeli- 
cal Association,  held  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  hereby  express  our 
approval  of  the  plan  adopted  for  the  care  of  disabled  ministers 
and  their  families,  and  pledge  our  influence  and  support  to  this 
Superannuation  Fund  and  recommend  that  the  laity  of  the  In- 
diana Conference  respond  liberally  to  this  worthy  cause. 

After  these  resolutions  were  read  the  chairman  addressed 
Conference  in  the  interest  of  the  superannuation  fund  in  an  in- 

357 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

teresting  and  effective  manner.  The  address  stirred  the  hearts 
of  the  people  to  such  an  extent  that  a  number  of  the  laymen  in 
Conference  assembled  responded  with  liberal  gifts  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  superannuation  fund,  which  were  very  greatly  ap- 
preciated by  the  ministers  of  the  Conference,  (See  Donations, 
Bequests,  etc.) 

The  following  m.en  have  served  as  lay  delegates :  Elkhart 
District:  Noah  Barnheisel,  of  Akron,  3  times;  Chas.  Rhodes,  of 
Bremen,  3  times;  G.  W.  Frederick,  of  Elkhart,  7  times;  Noah 
C.  Lehman,  of  South  Bend,  Mizpah,  3  times;  W.  S.  Easterday, 
of  Culver,  4  times;  Geo.  Long,  of  South  Bend,  1st,  4  times;  D. 
L.  Speicher,  of  Urbana,  3  times ;  Geo.  Schafer,  of  Bunker  Hill, 
as  alternate,  1  time.  Evansville  District:  Chas.  Braitling,  of 
Louisville,  Zion,  3  times;  Lenhart  Miller,  of  Carmi,  3  times;  G. 
Schwartzlose,  of  West  Salem,  2  times ;  Chas.  Wienand,  of  Terre 
Taute,  1  time ;  Louis  Katterhenry,  alternate,  of  Huntingburg,  1 
time;  0.  Unbehauen,  alternate,  of  Mt.  Carmel,  1  time.  Ft.  Wayne 
District:  L.  E.  Gordon,  of  Huntington,  2  times;  Wm.  Mertz,  of 
Ft.  Wayne,  5  times;  E.  M.  Ray,  of  Berne,  7  times;  E.  A.  Zerkle, 
of  Waterloo,  3  times ;  Frank  Hersh,  of  Avilla,  as  alternate,  2 
times;  as  delegate,  4  times;  Fred  Stedcke,  of  Celina  Circuit,  3 
times;  W.  B.  Johnson,  of  St.  Peter's,  1  time.  Indianapolis  Dis- 
trict: E.  G.  Eberhardt,  of  Indianapolis,  1st,  3  times;  E.  F.  Kim- 
mel,  of  Dayton,  Wayne  Ave.,  3  times;  D.  E.  Speicher,  of  Ur- 
bana, 2  times;  Sam  Wise,  of  Bunker  Hill,  2  times;  W.  H.  H. 
Ecki,  of  Dayton,  Wayne  Ave.,  4  times ;  Wm.  Herman,  of  Louis- 
ville, Zion,  4  times;  W.  L.  Miller,  of  Carmi,  4  times;  C.  A.  New- 
man, of  Olney,  4  times;  John  May,  as  alternate,  of  Ridgeville,  1 
time;  L.  D.  Rush,  as  alternate,  of  Logansport,  1  time.  Those 
who  have  been  elected  as  alternates,  but  have  not  as  yet  attended 
a  Conference  session  in  this  capacity,  are :   Elkhart  District :   J. 

F.  Kumler,  of  Rochester;  Chas.  L.  Reinoehl,  of  South  Bend,  Miz- 
pah; A.  G.  Winey,  of  Elkhart,  1st;  Chas.  Rhodes,  of  Bremen;  J. 
W.  Weaver,  of  Kokomo;  H.  Weiss,  of  Mishawaka.  Evansville 
District:  D.  Finkbeiner,  of  Marshall;  Leo  Herman,  of  Evans- 
AT'ille.     Ft.  Wayne  District:   Mm.  Maetzner,  of  Portland  Circuit; 

G.  W.  Sparks,  of  Waterloo;  J.  Trachsel,  of  Bippus;  Dr.  H.  W. 
Cook,  of  Hicksville;  J.  D.  Leininger,  of  Huntington;  W.  D, 
Maines,  of  Kendallville.  Indianapolis  District:  E.  Pfauhl,  of 
Dayton,  1st;  P.  W.  Soltau,  of  Indianapolis,  Grace;  E.  G.  Ender- 
line,  of  Indianapolis,  Grace;  A.  Kramer,  of  Indianapolis,  1st;  Ed. 
Seitz,  of  Mt.  Carmel. 

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COURSE  OF  STUDY,  EXAMINATION  JUNIOR  PREACHERS 

Regulations  and  Course  of  Study  for  Junior 

Preachers. 

The  first  examinations  for  junior  preachers  in  the  Indiana 
Conference  were  held  in  1853,  The  Presiding  Bishop  examined 
on  Theology  and  Bible  reading,  G.  G.  Platz  on  Church  Discipline, 
and  A.  Nicolai  on  Grammar.  Since  then  all  junior  preachers 
had  to  undergo  yearly  examinations. 

HOW    SOME    EXAMINATIONS    WERE    HELD 

In  the  early  part  of  the  history  of  the  Conference,  exam- 
iners would  ask  the  examinees  to  sit  in  a  row.  Then  he  would 
question  them  on  the  studies  they  were  to  be  examined  in.  The 
examiner  would  usually  begin  at  the  upper  end  of  the  row,  like  in 
a  spelling  school  class,  and  ask  the  first  one  a  question.  After 
the  answer  was  given  with  a  mien  of  some  knowledge,  and  with 
apparent  confidence  that  the  answer  was  correct,  then  the  ex- 
aminer would  go  down  the  row  and  ask  each  one,  "Was  the 
question  answered  correctly?"  If  they  believed  that  the  first  one 
gave  a  correct  answer,  they  would  assent  by  "Ja" ;  if  not,  they 
were  to  give  a  better  answer.  The  examinees  soon  observed 
the  usual  rule  where  questioning  began,  and  the  less  informed 
would  try  to  have  the  best  informed  among  them  head  the  row. 
If  they  thought  he  answered  well,  then  they  usually  would  bow 
their  heads  with  a  "Ja"  (Yes) ,  and  look  wise.  But  it  was  later 
discovered  that  there  were  some  examinees  who  only,  parrot-like, 
repeated  what  the  first  one  said.  If  he  was  right  the  rest  were, 
and  if  he  was  wrong  the  rest  usually  were  the  same.  So  new 
and  better  methods  were  adopted  from  time  to  time. 

Because  some  examiners  were  unreasonable  in  their  de- 
mands, especially  some  that  never  took  an  examination  them- 
selves, certain  restrictions  have  been  placed,  safeguarding  the 
rights  of  the  examinees.  Since  some  examiners  would  ask  from 
50  to  70  questions,  a  rule  was  passed,  prohibiting  examiners  ask- 
ing more  than  25  questions  on  any  one  subject.  This  was  in  '84. 
In  '98  a  strong  set  of  resolutions  were  passed,  relative  to  delin- 
quencies in  Conference  studies,  which  rules  have  been  reprinted 
annually.     The  rules,  as  they  are  now  in  force,  read  as  follows : 

CONCERNING   APPLICANTS 

1.  Applicants  for  license  shall  be  duly  notified  by  their  pas- 
tor of  their  requirements,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  appli- 
cants to  be  present  at  the  opening  of  the  examinations, 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

2.  No  applicant  shall  have  a  license  voted  him  unless  he 
has   passed   the   required   examinations. 

3.  If  it  is  impossible  for  applicants  for  license  to  be  present 
at  the  examinations,  they  shall  be  permitted  to  make  their  ex- 
aminations in  the  presence  of  an  elder  in  active  service,  or  a  pro- 
fessor in  one  of  our  schools. 

CONCERNING   EXAMINATIONS 

1.  Each  examiner  is  to  give  two  or  three  questions  more 
than  the  examinee  shall  be  required  to  answer. 

2.  No  examiner  shall  give  more  than  twenty  questions  to 
be  answered,  but  shall  use  his  own  judgment  as  to  the  number 
of  questions  to  be  given. 

3.  The  examination  shall  not  be  in  written  form  exclusive- 
ly, but  oral  questions  shall  be  put  in  connection  with  the  written 
ones.     Examinations  in  Catechism  shall  be  oral  only. 

4.  The  minimum  in  any  study  shall  be  50,  the  average  70. 

5.  The  examiner  shall  construct  his  questions  from  the  text- 
book used,  the  questions  to  be  of  a  very  representative  and  general 
nature. 

6.  Hereafter  the  examinees  shall  not  be  permitted  to  use 
notes  during  their  examinations. 

7.  The  studies  marked  with  an  asterisk  (*)  shall  be  taken 
during  the  first  nine  months  of  the  Conference  year ;  and  as  many 
more  as  the  examinee  and  examiner  can  agree  upon.  The  exam- 
ination is  to  be  made  in  the  presence  of  an  examiner,  or  of  an 
elder  in  active  service. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  examiners  and  examinees  to  be 
present  at  the  beginning  of  the  examinations. 

9.  If  any  examinee  should  have  any  grievance  to  make,  he 
shall  appeal  to  his  examiner.  If  these  cannot  agree,  the  matter 
shall  be  referred  to  the  Board  of  Examiners. 

10.  No  examinee  shall  be  permitted  to  take  any  examination 
in  an  advanced  year  until  he  has  successfully  passed  the  previous 
year's  studies  in  full. 

CONCERNING    DELINQUENTS 

1.  Promotion  shall  not  be  granted  a  junior  preacher  unless 
he  has  made  the  required  examinations.  This  resolution  shall  not 
be  waived  unless  the  student  can  give  a  satisfactory  reason  why 
he  has  not  made  such  examinations. 

2.  Any  junior  preacher  in  active  service,  whether  proba- 
tioner or  deacon,  who  carelessly  fails  to  make  any  examination  for 

360 


COURSE  OF  STUDY,  EXAMINATION  JUNIOR  PREACHERS 

two  successive  years,  shall  be  severely  reprimanded  by  the  chair- 
man for  such  carelessness,  and  any  junior  preacher  failing  to  com- 
plete his  course  of  studies  during  eight  years  of  active  service  in 
the  ministry  shall  be  located  until  he  has  completed  his  studies, 
or  he  shall  have  his  license  revoked. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  specific  duty  of  the  secretary  of  the  Board 
of  Examiners  to  report  any  and  all  delinquent  examinees  to  the 
Conference. 

CONCERNING   REQUIRED   READINGS 

1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  examiners  of  sermons  to  inquire 
into  the  number  of  books  read,  and  the  student  shall  receive  credit 
for  such  reading  in  the  Report  of  Examinations. 

2.  All  examiners  and  examinees  shall  secure  a  copy  of  our 
course  of  study  for  junior  preachers  from  our  Publishing  House, 
where  the  course  is  completely  outlined,  and  all  required  reading 
specifically  indicated. 

3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  all  examiners  and  examinees  to 
hold  themselves  strictly  to  the  letter  of  these  regulations. 

CONCERNING  GRADUATES  FROM  COLLEGE,  ETC. 

Resolved,  That  those  students  who  ijassed  a  satisfactory  ex- 
amination of  North-Western  College  and  Evangelical  Theologi- 
cal Seminary,  or  who  are  graduates  from  other  colleges  or  uni- 
versities, providing  the  Board  of  Examiners  of  the  Annual  Confer- 
ence and  the  presiding  Bishop  shall  deem  the  grades  of  such  insti- 
tutions satisfactory  in  such  studies  as  appear  in  the  Conference 
Course  of  Study,  shall  be  exempt  from  another  examination  by 
the  Board  of  Examination. 

COURSE  OF  STUDY  FOR  JUNIOR  PREACHERS 

FOR   APPLICANTS 

A  knowledge  of  the  common  branches  is  presupposed. 

1.  United  States  History,  any  history  used  in  high  schools; 
Outline  of  History — Swineon ;  How  to  Conduct  a  Sunday-School 
— Lawrence ;  Examiner,  B.  E.  Koenig. 

2.  Outline  of  Church  History — Hurst;  History  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Association,  1st  and  2nd  periods — Yeakel ;  Church  Disci- 
pline, Parts  I  to  IV.     Examiner,  I.  H.  Griesemer. 

3.  Theological  Compendium — Binney;  Catechism  of  the 
Evangelical  Association — Esher;  Scriptural  History — Blaikie. 
Examiner,  D.  O.  Wise. 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

FIRST    YEAR 

1.  Biblical  Geography — Hurlburt;  Modern  Rhetoric — Merk- 
ley;  written  sermon  on  the  Fall  of  Man,  to  be  examined  as  to  doc- 
trine, rhetoric  and  homiletics.     Examiner,  D.  E.  Zechiel. 

2.  History  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  3d  period  to  end 
— Yeakel ;  Church  Discipline,  Parts  V  to  VIII ;  General  History, 
Revised,  pages  1  to  304 — Myers.     Examiner,  M.  W.  Sunderman. 

3.  Manual  of  Christian  Doctrine,  pages  1  to  185 — Banks ; 
Introduction  to  the  Old  Testament — Raven.  Examiner,  E.  Q. 
Laudeman. 

SECOND   YEAR 

1.  History  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  Vol.  II — Yeakel; 
Church  History,  Ancient  and  Medieval — Fisher;  General  History, 
Revised,  page  305  to  end — Myers.     Examiner,  E.  W.  Praetorius. 

2.  Manual  of  Christian  Doctrine,  page  189  to  end — Banks ; 
Introduction  to  the  New  Testament — Kerr.  Examiner,  C.  H. 
Burgener. 

3.  Old  Testament  Theology — Oehler;  a  written  sermon  on 
the  Person  of  Christ  to  be  examined  as  to  doctrine,  rhetoric  and 
homiletics.     Examiner,  J.  J.  Wise. 

THIRD   YEAR 

1.  New  Testament  Theology — Stevens;  Systematic  Theol- 
ogy— Curtis;  a  written  sermon  on  the  plan  of  Redemption,  to  be 
examined  as  to  doctrine,  rhetoric  and  homiletics.  Examiner,  J.  O. 
Hosier. 

2.  Preparation  and  Delivery  of  Sermon — Broadus;  History 
of  Missions — Warneck  ("Aliens  or  Americans"  accepted  as  substi- 
tute this  year)  ;  Church  History,  Modern  Era — Fisher.  Examiner, 
F.  S.  Erne. 

3.  Psychology — Hill.     Examiner,  G.  B.  Kimmel. 

FOURTH    YEAR 

1.  Hermeneutics — Terry.     Examiner,  G.  B.  Kimmel. 

2.  Personal  Salvation — Tillet ;  A  written  sermon  on  Christian 
Perfection,  to  be  examined  as  to  doctrine,  rhetoric  and  homiletics. 
Examiner,  F.  L.  Snyder. 

3.  Logic — Hill.     Examiner,  P.  L.  Browns. 

4.  Pastoral  Theology — Hoppin ;  Digest  of  Discipline.  Ex- 
aminer, C.  E.  Geist. 

5.  Christianity  and  the  Social  Crisis — Rauschenbush ;  Re- 
ligion a  Rational  Demand — Kirn.    Examiner,  A.  B.  Haist. 

362 


STUDENT  AID  FUND 
Board  of  Examiners. 

The  following-  rules  were  adopted : 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Board  of  Examiners  be  appointed  for  a 
term  of  four  years,  on  the  same  branches  and  in  the  same  year, 
after  which  the  examiners  can  again  be  reappointed  on  the  same 
branches,  or  be  substituted  by  others. 

Resolved,  2.  That  if  vacancies  occur  between  Conference 
sessions,  the  president  and  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Examiners 
shall  have  power  to  appoint  examiners  to  fill  such  vacancies  for  the 
forthcoming-  examinations. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  examiner  of  Systematic  Theology  in 
the  4th  year  shall  always  be  the  president  of  the  Board  of  Ex- 
aminations, and  the  examiner  of  Systematic  Theology  in  the  3d 
year  shall  always  be  the  secretary  thereof. 

•<^^Note. — The  New  Course  of  Study,  now  in  use,  not  having 
Theology  in  the  4th  year,  the  following  change  had  to  be  made 
in  1912.  The  examiner  in  Systematic  Theology  in  third  year  is 
to  be  the  president  of  the  Board  of  Examiners,  and  the  examiner 
in  Psychology  and  Hermeneutics  in  4th  year  the  secretary. 

In  1906  a  Lecture  Course  was  introduced,  to  be  observed  in 
connection  with  the  examination  of  junior  preachers. 


Student  Aid  Fund. 

At  the  session  of  1908,  Rev.  F.  L.  Snyder  presented  the  need 
of  some  fund  that  would  enable  students  who  are  worthy  to  com- 
plete their  school  training.    The  following  resolution  was  adopted : 

Concerning  the  matter  presented  to  the  Conference  by  Bro. 
F,  L.  Snyder,  with  regard  to  establishing  a  fund  for  the  purpose 
of  giving  practical  aid  to  young  men  v/ho  feel  called  to  the  min- 
istry and  find  them.selves  without  financial  resources,  your  com- 
mittee, therefore,  begs  leave  to  submit  the  following: 

We  heartily  appreciate  the  deep  interest  taken  in  this  mat- 
ter by  Bro.  Snyder  and  the  successful  preliminary  work  already 
done  by  him,  especially  the  solicitation  of  funds  and  subscriptions. 

Whereas,  We  believe  this  to  be  a  most  worthy  and  commend- 
able project,  its  aim  and  purpose  charitable  and  benevolent,  and  its 
inauguration  timely;  therefore 

Resolved,  That  we  are  in  hearty  sympathy  with  this  move- 
ment, and  that  immediate  steps  should  be  taken  to  establish  a  per- 
manent fund. 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

We  would,  therefore,  recommend  first,  that  a  board  of  five 
be  appointed  by  this  Conference,  which  shall  be  known  as  the 
Board  of  Directors,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  administer  the  moneys 
of  this  fund.  This  Board  shall  also  devise  a  plan  for  the  admin- 
istration of  said  fund,  which  plan  shall  be  presented  to  the  next 
Annual  Conference  for  consideration. 

Secondly,  That  we  urge  our  ministers  to  solicit  funds  wher- 
ever practicable  for  this  worthy  cause. 

Thirdly,  That  the  Conference  Treasurer  serve  as  custodian 
for  this  fund. 

At  the  succeeding  session  the  following  Constitution  was 
adopted : 

ARTICLE  I — NAME 

The  name  of  this  organization  shall  be  known  as  "The  Stu- 
dent Aid  Society"  of  the  Indiana  Conference  of  the  Evangelical 
Association. 

ARTICLE  II — OBJECT 

The  object  of  the  Student  Aid  Society  shall  be  to  give  prac- 
tical aid  to  young  men  who  feel  themselves  called  of  God  to  the 
ministry  of  the  Gospel,  but  find  themselves  without  the  necessary 
means  for  obtaining  a  collegiate  and  theological  education. 

ARTICLE  III — DIRECTORS 

The  student  Aid  Society  shall  consist  of  a  board  of  seven  di- 
rectors, to  whom  written  application  for  aid  must  be  made  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  each  Conference  session,  who  shall  at  the 
place  and  time  where  Conference  is  held  consider  all  applications, 
and  be  empowered  to  act  according  to  their  judgment.  But  the 
Board  of  Directors  shall  be  required  to  give  an  annual  report  of 
their  work  and  of  the  financial  condition  of  the  society  to  the  An- 
nual Conference  for  information  and  approval. 

ARTICLE   IV — OFFICERS 

The  officers  of  the  Student  Aid  Society  shall  consist  of  a  pres- 
ident, secretary  and  treasurer,  to  be  elected  from  among  their 
own  number  at  each  annual  meeting.  Their  duties  shall  be  as  pre- 
scribed in  the  By-Laws  Section.  This  Board  shall  have  power  to  ap- 
point a  financial  agent  from  either  the  ministry  or  laity,  whose 
duty  shall  be  as  prescribed  in  By-Laws,  Section  IV. 

ARTICLE  V — ELECTION 

The  election  of  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Student  Aid 
Society  shall  be  by  ballot  from  among  the  elders  in  the  ministry 

364 


STUDENT  AID  FUND 

and  lay  members  of  the  Conference  to  hold  office  as  follows:  Two 
for  one  year,  two  for  two  years  and  three  for  three  years,  and 
thereafter  all  newly  elected  for  three  years,  except  when  vacancies 
occur  by  death  or  otherwise,  they  shall  be  filled  for  the  unexpired 
term.  The  Bishop  of  the  Conference  shall  at  a  suitable  time 
in  the  beginning  of  the  Conference  session  appoint  a  nominating 
committee,  which  shall  carefully  select  twice  the  number  of  can- 
didates required  to  fill  the  vacancies,  from  which  to  elect  men  to 
the  Board. 

ARTICLE   VI — QUORUM 

Four  members  of  the  Board  of  Directors  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  at  all  meetings  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

ARTICLE  VII — WHO   MAY  RECEIVE  AID 

To  receive  aid  from  the  herein-named  society  the  applicant 
must  have  a  license  to  preach  from  a  Conference  in  the  Evangeli- 
cal Association  and  must  pledge  himself  to  serve  as  preacher  in 
the  Indiana  Conference  at  least  until  the  debt  is  paid  as  prescribed 
in  the  By-Laws,  Section  V. 

ARTICLE  VIII — AMENDING  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION 

It  shall  require  two-thirds  of  the  membership  of  the  Annual 
Conference  in  session  to  change  or  amend  the  Constitution,  notice 
thereof  to  be  given  the  first  day  of  Conference  session  by  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Board  of  Directors. 

By-Laws 
section  i — president 

The  president  shall  preside  at  all  business  meetings  of  the 
Board  of  Directors  of  the  above-named  society,  and  shall  have  a 
right  to  vote.    In  his  absence  a  president  pro  tem  shall  be  chosen. 

SECTION  II — RECORDING  SECRETARY 

The  recording  secretary  shall  be  the  custodian  of  all  records 
and  documents  belonging  to  the  society,  and  shall  keep  accurate 
minutes  of  all  m.eetings,  and  transcribe  them  into  a  permanent 
record  after  they  have  been  approved.  He  shall  also  give  due 
notice  to  the  members  of  the  Board  of  all  meetings  to  be  held, 
and  attend  to  such  other  duties  as  usually  pertain  to  his  office. 

SECTION    III — TREASURER 

The  treasurer  shall  take  good  care  of  all  finances  received, 
pay  out  or  invest  all  moneys  belonging  to  or  accruing  to  the  so- 

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INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ciety,  as  instructed  by  the  Board  of  Directors.  He  shall  submit 
an  annual  account  to  the  Board  for  approval,  which  in  turn  shall 
report  to  the  Conference  in  session  and  the  same  shall  be  audited 
before  adopted. 

SECTION   IV — FINANCIAL  AGENT 

The  financial  agent  appointed  by  the  Board  of  Directors  shall 
act  under  its  instructions.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to  solicit  aid  for 
the  education  of  needy  young  men,  by  donations,  annuities,  be- 
quests and  other  methods,  as  agreed  by  Conference.  He  shall 
keep  careful  account  of  his  annual  expenses  in  the  interest  of  the 
society  and  report  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Direc- 
tors, which  shall  be  approved  by  them  before  the  treasurer  is  or- 
dered to  pay  them.  The  financial  agent  shall  be  allowed  $10.00 
per  annum  for  his  services. 

SECTION    V — AID 

The  aid  from  this  fund  shall  be  in  the  form  of  loans,  as  fol- 
lows: The  maximum  amount  per  year  for  a  preparatory  student 
shall  be  $50.00 ;  for  a  student  of  the  collegiate  grade  or  in  an  ad- 
vanced seminary  course,  $85.00.  The  maximum  total  amount 
loaned  to  any  student  shall  be  $450.00.  Upon  his  final  gradua- 
tion each  student  shall  annually  pay  back  at  least  $10.00  and  in- 
terest, until  paid.  If,  however,  the  entire  amount  is  returned 
within  six  years  from  the  date  of  his  final  graduation  (or  leav- 
ing school) ,  only  1  per  cent  interest  shall  be  charged. 

SECTION  VI — CONDITIONS  OF  AID 

1.  The  applicant  must  be  a  member  of  the  Evangelical  As- 
sociation in  good  standing,  the  same  being  certified  by  his  class- 
leader  and  pastor,  as  provided  in  application  blank.  He  must  give 
good  security  for  the  return  of  the  borrowed  money.  He  must 
show  adaptation  to  study  by  passing  a  satisfactory  examination 
of  the  prescribed  course  of  study  for  applicants  of  a  grammar 
school.  He  must  be  acquainted  with  the  polity  and  doctrines  of 
the  Evangelical  Association  and  cordially  approve  and  believe 
them  and  endeavor  to  exemplify  them. 

2.  He  must  be  willing  to  receive  his  education  and  training 
for  the  ministry  in  our  schools  in  Naperville,  111, 

3.  He  must  solemnly  pledge  himself  to  give  the  Conference 
faithful  service  as  a  mark  of  appreciation  for  aid  received,  as  long 
as  health  permits,  at  least  until  the  borrowed  money  is  refunded. 

366 


STUDENT  AID  FUND 

SECTION  VII — AMENDING  BY-LAWS 

These  By-Laws  can  only  be  changed  or  amended  by  a  two- 
third  vote  of  an  Annual  Conference,  notice  thereof  having  been 
given  on  the  first  day  of  the  session. 

APPLICATION    BLANK    FOR   AID    FROM    THE    STUDENT    AID    SOCIETY    OF 
THE  INDIANA  CONFERENCE,  EVANGELICAL  ASSOCIATION 

{Blanks  Must  Be  Filled  in  the  Hanchvriting  of  the  Applicant.) 

1.  Name  in  full .Age Address. 

2.  Of  what  church  are  you  a  member? 

Of  what  charge  ? In  what  Conference  ? 

How  long? , 

3.  Are  you  a  member  of  a  Sunday-school? Of  the  Young 

People's  Alliance  or  some  other  young  people's  movement?. . .  . 

4.  Are  you  acquainted  with  the  polity  and  doctrines  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Association  ? ....  Do  you  believe  and  approve  them  ? .  .  .  . 
Will  you  endeavor  to  exemplify  and  defend  them? 

5.  Have  you  passed  a  satisfactory  examination  in  the  course  of 

study  for  applicants  to  the  Christian  ministry? 

(A  certified  copy  of  the  grades  in  each  study  from,  the  secre- 
tary of  the  Board  of  Examination  of  the  Conference  is  re- 
quired.) 

6.  Where  do  you  purpose  going  to  school? 

And  do  you  wish  to  pursue  a  collegiate  or  theological 
course?  

7.  What  are  your  financial  resources? 

And  are  you  willing  to  help  yourself  as  far  as  it  is  possible?. .  . 

8.  Will  you  solemnly  pledge  yourself  to  give  the  Indiana  Confer- 
ence of  the  Evangelical  Association  from  five  to  ten  years  of 
faithful  service  for  financial  aid  received,  according  to  amount 
received?   

9.  Will  you  pledge  yourself  to  pay  back  the  sum  loaned  you  from 
the  time  of  your  final  graduation  at  the  rate  of  not  less  than 
ten  dollars  annually  and  interest  not  to  exceed  6  per  cent.?.  .  . 
(Remember  that  if  you  pay  it  all  back  within  six  years  only  1 
per  cent,  will  be  charged  you.) 

10.  Will  you  solemnly  take  these  moral  obligations  upon  yourself 
and  make  them  binding  upon  yourself,  then  sign  your  full 
name  here  as  evidence  to  the  correctness  of  the  foregoing  ques- 
tions, and  willingness  to  subscribe  to  the  aforesaid  pledges.  .  . 

Name Date 

Address    

367 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

CERTIFIED   STATEMENT   OF   CLASS-LEADER,    PASTOR   AND    PRESIDING 

ELDER 

We,  the  undersigned,  hereby  certify  that  we  know  the  above 
named  appHcant  for  aid  from  the  Student  Aid  Society  of  the  In- 
diana Conference  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  that  we  believe 
him  to  be  honest,  studious,  industrious,  clean  and  frugal  in  habits 
of  life,  and  that  he  is  a  member  in  good  standing  in  the  church  with 
which  he  is  identified. 

Class-Leader 

Pastor    

Presiding  Elder   

Conference Charge 

(Drafted  by  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  with   some   chauges   made    by   the   commit- 
tee and  theu  ratified  by  Conference). 

A  goodly  number  of  worthy  subscriptions  were  given  by  the 
ministers  present,  and  with  the  money  on  hand,  a  fair  beginning 
w^as  m.ade.  Many  large  and  small  gifts  are  greatly  needed  for  this 
worthy   cause. 

The  following  trustees  for  the  Conference  Student  Aid  Fund 
were  elected :  F.  L.  Snyder,  G.  B.  Kimmel,  J.  H.  Breish,  for  three 
years;  C.  E.  Boyer,  Thos.  Finkbeiner,  for  two  years;  J.  H.  Rilling 
and  G.  W.  Frederick,  for  one  year. 

F.  L.  Snyder  was  elected  president,  J.  H.  Rilling,  secretary. 


The  Formation  of  the  Michigan  Conference. 

When  it  became  evident  that  the  Michigan  Conference  would 
be  formed  from  that  part  of  the  Indiana  Conference  that  lay  in  the 
extreme  north,  the  Indiana  Conference,  at  its  session  in  1863, 
passed  a  resolution  that  the  State  line  between  Indiana  and  Michi- 
gan shall  constitute  the  boundary  of  the  new  Conference  on  the 
south.  However,  when  the  Michigan  Conference  was  formed  in 
1864,  the  Indiana  Conference  yielded  this  point  and  surrendered 
to  the  new  Conference  some  of  its  best  fields  in  Lagrange  and 
Steuben  Counties. 

The  new  Conference  embodied  Berrien,  St.  Joseph,  Lima  Cir- 
cuits, and  Kalamazoo  and  Ionia  Missions,  with  a  membership  of 
400,  A.  Nicolai,  R.  Riegel  and  M.  Krueger  were  elected  as  can- 
didates for  the  Presiding  Eldership  of  the  Michigan  Conference. 
A.  Nicolai  was  elected  as  the  first  Presiding  Elder  of  this  new 
Conference.     The  following  brethren  voluntarily  united  with  this 

368 


FORMATION  SOUTH  INDIANA  CONF.,  REINCORPORATION 

Conference,  upon  condition  that  their  citizenship  rights  be  con- 
tinued in  Indiana,  and  that,  if  desired,  they  be  allowed  to  return 
to  the  Indiana  in  the  space  of  four  years.  The  hand  of  blessing 
ever  rested  upon  this  newly  formed  Conference. 

The  General  Conference  in  1911  ordered  that  Paradise  and 
Trout  Creek  classes,  lying  in  the  southern  part  of  Michigan,  be 
ceded  to  the  Indiana  Conference.  These  two  classes  were  added 
to  Elkhart,  Bethel,  charge. 


Formation  of   the  South  Indiana  Conference  and 
its  Re-incorporation. 

There  was  a  growing  opinion  that  it  would  be  to  the  very 
best  advantage  if  the  Indiana  Conference  would  be  divided,  and 
the  southern  part  constitute  a  Conference  by  itself.  In  1867  a 
strenuous  effort  was  put  forth  to  effect  this  division,  but  it  failed 
to  carry.  However,  the  General  Conference,  held  at  Philadelphia, 
Pa.,  in  October,  1875,  ordered  that  the  Indiana  Conference  should 
be  divided  into  two  Conferences.  This  was  done  because  of  the  ex- 
tensiveness  of  the  Conference.  It  was  declared  that  the  two  south- 
ern districts,  namely,  Evansville  and  Olney,  shall  constitute  the 
new  Conference  territory,  which  was  christened  the  "South  In- 
diana Conference."  According  to  the  General  Conference  action, 
the  division  was  effected  at  the  annual  session  of  the  Indiana  Con- 
ference, which  convened  Sept.  14,  1876,  in  the  town  of  Bremen, 
Marshall  Co.,  Ind.  The  newly  formed  Conference  began  with  a 
membership  of  1,776,  and  covered  an  extensive  territory,  from 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  west  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  400  miles,  and  from  Mar- 
shall, 111.,  south  to  Murphysboro,  111.,  about  170  miles.  Later  many 
intervening  points  were  added,  and  also  a  fruitless  mission  was 
established  in  Cairo,  111.,  and  one  in  Mattoon,  111.  This  fact  shows 
that  there  was  considerable  missionary  enthusiasm  and  a  spirit  of 
territorial  expansion  manifested  from  the  beginning.  Faith  and 
attempts  were  often  greater  in  those  days  than  possessed  strength 
and  adequate  ability.  Some  of  the  Western  outposts,  as  St.  Louis, 
Sandoval,  Vandalia,  Lake  Creek,  and  Mattoon  and  Clarksville  to 
the  north,  and  Cairo  to  the  south,  and  Cincinnati,  Harrison  and 
Covington,  Ky.,  to  the  east,  and  intervening  points,  had  to  be 
abandoned.  Lack  of  proper  men  and  inadequate  missionary  funds 
necessitated  retrenchments,  also  in  some  places  disinterestedness 
of  the  people  in  those  abandoned  places. 

Bishop  Thomas  Bowman,   chairman  of  the   Indiana  Confer- 

369 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

ence,  ascertained  who  the  ministers  are  that  would  travel  within 
the  bounds  of  the  new  South  Indiana  Conference,  and  would  be- 
come its  charter  members.  Those  who  were  ready  to  unite  with 
the  new  Conference  signified  it  by  arising.  The  following  named 
men  were  recorded  as  charter  members:  John  Fuchs  and  H,  L. 
Fisher,  who  were  then  Presiding  Elders  of  Olney  and  Evansville 
Districts,  respectively;  Melchior  Mayer,  Math.  Klaiber,  J.  A. 
Maier,  Chr.  Wessling,  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  H.  Schleucher,  Martin 
Speck,  Chr.  Stier,  N.  J.  Platz,  John  Kaufman,  C.  Stockhovv^e,  C 
F.  Matheis,  W.  G.  Braeckly,  M.  Koehl,  Jacob  Mode,  Geo.  Berstecher 
and  J.  C.  Young. 

Of  these  charter  members,  Fisher,  Mayer,  Klaiber,  Wessling^ 
Kronmiller,  Koehl,  Mode,  Braeckly,  Maier  and  Platz  are  deceased. 
Those  who  have  retired  from  active  service  are  Fuchs,  Speck, 
Stier,  Kaufman,  Matheis  and  Schleucher.  Berstecher  and  Young- 
are  members  of  the  Erie  Conference,  and  Stockhowe  is  still  in  the 
active  service  in  the  Illinois  Conference  of  the  United  Evangelical 
Church,  of  which  also  Fuchs,  Speck  and  Matheis  are  members. 

The  organization  of  the  South  Indiana  Conference  took  place 
Sept.  15,  1876,  in  Bremen,  Ind.,  at  2  P.  M.,  in  Rinkel's  Hall,  under 
the  chairmanship  of  the  Senior  Bishop,  J.  J.  Esher  of  Chicago,  IlL 
After  the  usual  devotional  opening  exercises,  the  Bishop  gave  an 
earnest  address,  emphasizing  particularly  the  momentous  import- 
ance of  organizing  a  new  Conference.  He  asserted  that  the  work 
of  the  Conference  is  the  conversion  of  souls,  the  building  up  of 
God's  kingdom,  and  that  this  can  only  be  accomplished  by  entire 
consecration  and  oneness  of  its  members.  After  the  address,  the 
Bishop  appointed  W.  G.  Braeckly  as  first  secretary  of  the  Confer- 
ence, in  which  capacity  he  served  very  successfully  from  1876  to 
1886  inclusive,  and  also  in  1888.  His  successor  was  G.  M.  Hall- 
wachs,  who  served  in  1887  in  the  spring  and  fall  sessions  and  from' 
1889  to  the  end  in  1892. 

The  Conference  was  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State 
of  Indiana.  At  the  first  session  the  Conference  organized  a  Mis- 
sionary Society,  auxiliary  to  the  General  Missionary  Society  of  the 
Evangelical  Association.  Also  a  Sunday-School  and  Tract  Union 
Society  was  organized.  In  1887,  at  the  spring  Conference  session, 
a  Church  Building  Society  was  organized,  with  W.  G.  Braeckly 
as  president,  E.  J.  Nitsche  as  secretary,  and  C.  Stockhowe  as  treas- 
urer. The  first  treasurer  of  the  Conference  was  Melchior  Mayer, 
who  served  from  1876  to  1886.  He  was  succeeded  by  W.  L.  Lueh- 
ring,  who  served  from  1887  to  1888.  After  him  came  F.  Theiss, 
from  1889  to  1892. 

370 


FORMATION  SOUTH  INDIANA  CONF.,  REINCORPORATION 

THE  ANNUAL  SESSIONS  OF   THE   SOUTH   INDIANA   CONFERENCE 

1876,  Sept.  15,  Bremen,  Ind Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1877,  Sept.     6,  Huntingburg,  Ind.. Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1878,  March  14,  Carmi,  111.  .Bishop  Thomas  Bowman,  President 

1879,  March  20,  Tabor,  Ind Bishop  R.  Dubs,  President 

1880,  March  11,  Zion,   Louisville,   Ky 

Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1881,  March  31,  West  Salem,  111 

Bishop   Thomas   Bowman,  President 

1882,  March  31,  Huntingburg,  Ind. Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1883,  March  22,  Evansville,  Ind Bishop  R.  Dubs,  President 

1884,  March  20,  Jonesboro,  111 

Bishop    Thomas    Bowman,  President 

1885,  March  19,  Carmi,  111 Bishop  R.  Dubs.  President 

1886,  March  11,  Mt.  Carmel,  111... Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1887,  March  17,  Huntingburg,   Ind 

Bishop   Thomas   Bowman,  President 

1887,  Oct.  20,  1887,  Enterprise,  111.  .Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1888,  Sept.  20,  Carmi,  111 Bishop  R.  Dubs,  President 

1889,  Sept.  19,  Marshall,  111 Bishop  J.  J.  Esher,  President 

1890,  Sept.  18,  Olney,  111.  ,.  .Bishop  Thomas  Bowman,  President 

1891,  Sept.  10,  Mt.    Carmel,    111 

Bishop   Thomas   Bowman,  President 

1892,  Sept.     8,  Huntingburg,  Ind.  .Bishop  Wm.  Horn,  President 

PRESIDING  ELDERS  AND  TIME  OF   SERVICE 

John  Fuchs,  eight  years;  H.  L.  Fisher,  five  years  (died  in 
office)  ;  John  Kaufman,  was  elected  for  two  years  as  successor  to 
Fisher,  deceased,  and  served  in  all  twelve  years;  F.  Schweitzer, 
four  years;  H.  Schleucher,  four  and  one-half  years.  The  latter 
was  elected  the  first  time  for  only  three  years,  and  his  second 
term  ended  with  one  and  one-half  years  when  the  Conference 
ceased  to  exist. 

LICENSED   AS   PREACHERS   ON    PROBATION 

Frederick  Dauner  and  W.  L.  Luehring,  September,  1877 ;  Geo. 
M.  Hallwachs,  Frederick  Theis,  March,  1880;  Gerhardt  Koch, 
March,  1883 ;  John  Mundorf,  March,  1884 ;  Casper  Doering,  March, 
1885;  Andrew  N.  Fox,  September,  1888;  G.  F.  Winter,  J.  H. 
Griesemer  and  B.  Schuermeier,  September,  1889. 

371 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

deacons'  orders  voted  as  follows: 

To  Christian  Stier,  1877 ;  to  M.  F.  Finkbeiner,  1878 ;  to  W.  L. 
Luehring  and  Ernst  Bohlander,  1880 ;  to  G.  M.  Hallwachs  and  F. 
Theis,  1883;  to  E.  J.  Nitsche,  1884;  to  Fred.  Daimer,  John  Mun- 
dorf  and  J.  H.  Schnitz,  1887,  and  Gerh.  Koch,  1889. 

received  into  the  itinerancy 

Christian  Stier,  1877 ;  M.  F.  Finkbeiner  and  W.  L.  Luehring, 
1878;  M.  Koehl  and  H.  Haas,  1879;  G.  M.  Hallwachs  and  F.  Theis, 
1882 ;  E.  J.  Nitsche,  1883 ;  Jacob  Mode  and  John  Mundorf ,  1886 ; 
Gerh.  Koch,  1889 ;  C.  Kohlmeyer,  1890. 

advanced  to  elders'  orders 

Geo.  Berstecher,  1877;  Jacob  Mode  and  N.  J.  Platz,  1879; 
Christian  Stier,  1880;  W.  L.  Luehring  and  E.  Bohlander,  1882; 
G.  M.  Hallwachs  and  Fred.  Theis,  1885 ;  E.  J.  Nitsche,  1886 ;  John 
Mundorf  and  J.  H.  Schnitz,  1889. 

delegates  to  general  conference 

John  Fuchs  and  H.  L.  Fisher  in  1879 ;  John  Fuchs  and  John 
Kaufman  in  1883;  John  Kaufman  and  Enos  Troyer  in  1887;  John 
Kaufman  and  H.  Schleucher  in  1891. 

trustees  elected  for  north-western  college  and 
union  biblical  institute 

John  Fuchs  in  1876  and  1879;  John  Kaufman,  1882;  W.  G. 
Braeckly,  1885  (served  two  years)  ;  John  Kaufman,  again  in  1887 
and  1890. 

DEATHS  REPORTED 

H.  L.  Fisher,  1880 ;  Jacob  Mode,  1887 ;  M.  Mayer,  1888. 

SOME  STATISTICS  DURING  THE  YEARS  OF  EXISTENCE  OF  THE 

CONFERENCE 

Converted:  206,  156,  197,  231,  156,  215,  152,  205,  207,  84,  204, 
22,  163,  216,  104.  118.     Total,  2,636. 

Newly  Received:  212,  198,  233,  293,  227,  303,  210,  218,  258, 
127,  219,  41,  216,  239,  199,  154.     Total,  3,347. 

Membership:  1,776,  1,794,  1,896,  2,046,  2,145,  2,250,  2,293, 
2,329,  2,399,  2,367,  2,374,  2,322,  2,384,  2,454,  2,348,  2,308.  Net 
gain,  532. 

372 


FORMATION  SOUTH  INDIANA  CONF.,  REINCORPORATION 

Collected  for  Conference  Mission  Work:  $1,627.09,  $2,205.86, 
$2,227.67,  $1,753.97,  $1,818.94.  $1,704.81,  $2,505.13,  $2,381.35, 
$1,930.06,  $1,940.97,  $2,115.24,  $1,673.72,  $2,153.24,  $1,353.13, 
$1,184.12,  $1,323.19.  Total  for  sixteen  years,  $29,898.49.  One 
soul  saved  for  everj'-  $11.34  missionary  money  contributed. 

Schedule  for  Preachers'  Salaries  adopted  in  1876 :  Married, 
$450.00  and  $33.00  for  each  child  under  fourteen  years ;  single, 
ordained,  $250.00 ;  probationers,  $200.00 ;  Presiding  Elders, 
$800.00,  with  an  additional  $33.00  for  each  child  under  fourteen 
years.  In  addition  each  minister  was  allowed  traveling  and  mov- 
ing expenses  and  a  free  parsonage.  Total  salary  paid  in  sixteen 
years,  $144,668.32;  average  per  year,  $9,041.75;  average  per  min- 
ister, $418.60.  A  new  schedule  of  salaries  was  adopted  in  1883 
and  1884,  which  meant  a  slight  increase  of  salary. 

SOME  FACTS  ABOUT  MISSIONARY  FIELDS 

1876,  St.  Louis  and  Louisville  Missions  were  left  unsupplied, 
and  the  next  year  St.  Louis  was  abandoned.  Stewartsville  was 
taken  from  Warrington  Circuit  and  made  a  separate  mission.  Cin- 
cinnati Mission  was  ordered  to  be  relocated.  1877,  Conference 
sessions  were  changed  from  fall  to  spring.  Stewartsville  Mission 
was  discontinued  and,  with  Grayville,  added  to  Salem  charge  on 
Olney  District.  Enterprise  and  vicinity  was  taken  up  as  a  mis- 
sion. 1878,  Sandoval  and  vicinity  was  taken  up  as  Sandoval  Mis- 
sion. Stewartsville  and  Grayville  were  taken  from  Salem  and 
added  to  Carmi.  Harrison  in  Hamilton  Co.,  Ohio,  and  vicinity  was 
taken  up  as  a  mission.     Enterprise  Mission  was  added  to  Carmi. 

1879,  no  new  missions  formed ;  only  a  few  changes  in  boundaries. 

1880,  Jackson  Mission  in  Missouri  was  taken  up.  Harrison  Mis- 
sion was  discontinued.  Vandalia  Circuit  was  changed  to  a  mis- 
sion. 1881,  a  few  changes  were  made  in  boundary  lines,  and 
Terre  Haute  was  taken  up  as  a  mission ;  Jackson  Mission  in  Mis- 
souri was  discontinued.  1882,  no  report.  1883,  two  transfers  of 
fields  to  another  district.  1884,  Evansville  was  made  a  station. 
1885,  Mattoon,  111.,  was  taken  up  as  a  mission.  It  was  resolved 
that  if  the  prospects  seem  to  be  favorable  the  missionary  of  Cin- 
cinnati shall  take  up  Covington,  Ky.,  as  a  mission  field.  1886,  no 
report.  1887,  Sandoval  Mission  was  discontinued.  Covington, 
Ky.,  and  vicinity  was  taken  up  as  a  mission.  1887,  now  again  a 
fall  Conference.  Evansville  was  again  made  a  mission.  1888, 
Owensboro  was  taken  up  as  a  mission  conjointly  with  Rockport. 
1889,  the  west  portion  of  Louisville  was  taken  up  as  a  mission. 

373 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Owensboro  and  Rockport  Mission  was  separated  into  two  mis- 
sions. Jonesboro  Mission  was  made  a  circuit.  1890,  only  bound- 
ary changes  were  made.  1891,  a  few  fields  were  changed  into  new 
missions  by  changing  boundary  lines.  It  seems  the  new  missions 
in  new  localities  were  all  failures  excepting  Terre  Haute,  which 
also  had  serious  difficulties  to  encounter. 

SOME   MISCELLANEOUS   FACTS  OF   INTEREST 

At  the  time  of  the  division  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  the 
mother  Conference  gave  her  newly  born  daughter  on  her  earthly 
journey,  as  an  act  of  Godspeed  and  good  will,  the  respectable  sum 
of  $1,800.00  to  launch  her  missionary  activities.  The  new  Con- 
ference also  assumed  $1,800.00  as  her  share  of  the  Conference 
debt. 

In  the  session  held  in  September,  1877,  this  Conference  en- 
tered into  the  compact  of  North-Western  College  and  Union  Bibli- 
cal Institute,  and  took  an  active  interest  in  these  educational  in- 
stitutions, and  always  in  her  succeeding  sessions  maintained  that 
the  intellectual  training  and  the  culture  of  heart  of  the  young  peo- 
ple is  an  urgent  necessity,  because  education  is  one  of  the  chief 
means  of  winning  them  for  God  and  the  church,  and  to  make 
them  useful  citizens  of  our  land.  This  Conference  believed,  also, 
that  the  sooner  the  Gospel  truths  are  inculcated  intelligently,  and 
a  general  acquaintance  with  the  studies  relating  to  literature,  phil- 
osophy and  sciences  are  properly  understood  and  made  subservient 
to  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  the  better  for  the  young  people  and  the 
church ;  hence  the  necessity  of  training  and  culturing  of  mind  and 
heart  in  their  formative  period,  when  the  religious  and  social  life 
is  much  more  readily  influenced  and  developed.  It  was  especially 
impressed  upon  the  hearts  and  minds  of  parents  that  they  should 
bring  up  their  children  in  the  fear  of  God  and  avail  themselves 
early  of  the  educational  opportunities  in  the  church  for  the  benefit 
of  their  children. 

Much  stress  was  also  laid  upon  the  careful  establishment  of 
religious  homes,  as  the  basis  of  prosperity  and  healthful  develop- 
ment of  the  churches ;  the  need  of  sending  the  children  to  catechet- 
ical instructions  and  to  Sunday-schools.  Their  vote  on  a  General 
Conference  recommendation  relative  to  secret  orders  was  22  against 
and  none  for  them.  So  also  the  vote  on  the  recommendation  of 
remarriage  of  divorced  persons  stood  22  for  and  none  against. 

A  very  timely  resolution  was  also  adopted  in  1879,  criticis- 
ing severely  the  National  Congress  for  holding  sessions  on  the 

374 


FORMATION  SOUTH  INDIANA  CONF.,  REINCORPORATION 

Lord's  Day,  and  agreed  that  no  candidate  for  Representative  in 
•Congress  should  be  voted  for  who  does  not  obey  the  law  of  God 
respecting  the  Christian  Sabbath.  This  attitude  and  protest  was 
in  perfect  order  and  should  still  receive  the  stamp  of  hearty  dis- 
approval from  religious  bodies. 

At  the  session  of  1881  it  was  reported  that  the  Louisville 
Mission  property  was  sold  for  $3,200.00,  of  which  $1,500.00  was 
cash.  Louisville  Station  received  $500.00  of  it  toward  erecting 
its  parsonage.  There  being  a  deficit  in  the  salaries  of  some  men, 
it  was  ordered  that  half  of  the  deficit  shall  be  paid  out  of  the 
Publishing  House  dividend,  which  is  mentioned  by  the  secretary 
■as  a  Conference  liberality  which  might  have  the  most  serious  re- 
sults for  preachers  and  congregations. 

The  two  Presiding  Elders,  J.  Fuchs  and  H.  L.  Fisher,  and  C. 
Wessling  and  W.  G.  Braeckly,  were  appointed  a  historical  commit- 
tee to  gather  historical  facts  for  the  second  volume  of  the  Church 
History  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  In  1882  W.  G.  Braeckly 
was  appointed  as  representative  of  the  Conference  to  attend  the 
final  examinations  and  graduating  exercises  at  North-Western 
College. 

In  1883  the  Conference  had  a  church  debt  of  $3,436.91.  This 
Conference  adopted  favorable  resolutions  relative  to  the  work  of 
the  Woman's  Missionary  Society  in  the  church  and  believed  the 
time  had  come  for  such  an  organization.  Strong  resolutions  were 
also  adopted  relative  to  abolition  of  intemperance,  which  was 
.stated  as  a  very  great,  if  not  the  greatest,  evil  in  our  land.  The 
temperance  question  and  its  enforcement  was  much  needed  in 
some  quarters  of  these  districts. 

From  1884  to  1889  the  Conference  sessions  were  greatly  dis- 
turbed by  internal  conflicts  that  required  long  and  tedious  investi- 
gations, and  worked  disastrous  results  from  which  the  territory 
has  not  yet  fully  recovered. 

At  the  session  of  1885  the  members  of  the  South  Indiana  Con- 
ference sent  a  resolution  to  the  Indiana  Conference,  urging  the 
reincorporation  of  their  Conference  with  the  original  mother  Con- 
ference, believing  that  this  would  be  for  the  general  good  and  in- 
crease of  the  work  of  the  Lord  in  both  Conferences,  that  the  diffi- 
culty in  stationing  the  preachers  properly  could  be  largely  over- 
come, and  that  it  would  have  the  endorsement  of  the  church  socie- 
ties. To  this  solicitation  the  Indiana  Conference  replied  as  follows 
in  1886,  after  having  acknow^ledged  the  receipt  of  the  inquiry  of 
the  South  Indiana  Conference  relative  to  the  feasibility  of  reunit- 
ing the  two  Conferences:  "In  lieu  of  the  fact  that  the  matter  of 

375 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

reincorporating  the  South  Indiana  Conference  with  the  Indiana 
Conference  belongs  to  the  General  Conference  transaction,  and 
because  of  its  importance  and  connected  circumstances,  it  was 
thought  best  for  the  present  to  remain  separate,  but  we  will  give 
the  matter  further  consideration,  and  if  it  seems  feasible  and  de- 
sirable on  both  sides,  then  take  the  necessary  introductory  steps 
to  present  the  matter  to  the  next  General  Conference."  Upon  this 
friendly  reply  from  the  Indiana  Conference,  the  South  Indiana 
Conference,  at  its  session  in  1887,  again  urged  the  reincorpora- 
tion, reiterating  their  former  reasons  for  so  doing,  reasserting  the 
conviction  that  it  would  be  for  the  best  of  both  Conferences,  and 
expressing  the  fond  hope  that  the  Indiana  Conference  would  give 
this  matter  the  most  favorable  consideration. 

At  the  General  Conference,  held  in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  Octo- 
ber, 1891,  the  matter  of  reincorporating  the  South  Indiana  Con- 
ference with  the  Indiana  Conference  was  presented  by  the  South 
Indiana  Conference  for  favorable  consideration.  Without  oppo- 
sition from  the  delegates  of  the  Indiana  Conference,  the  General 
Conference  ordered  the  reincorporation  as  desired,  which  reincor- 
poration took  place  at  the  Indiana  Conference,  held  April,  1893,  in 
Dayton,  Ohio.  The  statistics  show  that  during  the  years  of  sep- 
arate work  the  South  Indiana  Conference  had  made  a  net  gain  of 
532  members. 


376 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


7>LN0WDECEASED.  r. 


377 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


BISHOP    THOMAS   BOWMAN 


BISHOP   S.    C.   BREYFOGEL 


BISHOP  WM.   HORN 


378 


BISHOP  S.  P.  SPRENG 


TABLET  OF  CONFERENCES 


CALENDAR    OF    TIME    AND    PLACE    OF    CONFERENCE    SESSIONS    WITH    PRESIDING    OFFICERS 

AND    SECRETARIES 


6 

Years    and 
Dates. 

Place  of  Sessions. 

Presiding 
Bishop. 

Secretaries. 

Assistant     Secretaries. 

0 

1852,  June 

10 

Naperville,   Illinois. 

John    Seybert. 

J. 

J.    Esher 

C. 

A.    Schnacke. 

1 

1853 

June 

1 

E.   Germantown,   Ind. 

Jos.   Long. 

A. 

Nicolai. 

S. 

Dickover. 

2 

1854 

May 

31 

E.   Germantown,   Ind. 

John    Seybert. 

A. 

Nicolai. 

S. 

Dickover. 

3 

1855 

May 

30 

Ott's,  Elk  Co.,  Indiana. 

John    Seybert. 

A. 

Nicolai. 

S. 

Dickover. 

4 

1856 
1857 

June 

Sept. 

4 
23 

Mt.    Carmel,    Illinois. 
E.    Germantown,    Ind. 

Jos.   Long. 
John    Seybert. 

A. 

A. 

Nicolai. 

B.    Schafer. 

5 

•i." 

Keiper. 

6 

1858 

Sept. 

8 

Coal  Bush,   Indiana. 

Jos.   Long. 

M 

Hoehn. 

M. 

W.    Steffey. 

7 

1859 

Sept. 

7 

Indianapolis,    Indiana. 

John    Seybert. 

i\I 

Hoehn. 

M. 

W.    Steffey. 

8 

1800 

Sept. 

5 

Dayton,   Ohio. 

Jos.   Long. 

M 

Hoehn. 

M. 

Mayer. 

9 

1861 

Sept. 

IS 

Indianapolis,     Indiana. 

W.    W.    Orwig. 

G. 

G.    Platz. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

10 

1862 

Sept. 

17 

E.   Germantown,   Ind. 

Jos.   Long. 

M 

Mayer. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

11 

1863 

Sept. 

9 

Marshall,    Illinois. 

W.    W.    Orwig. 

M 

Hoehn. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

12 

1864 

Sept. 

8 

Indianapolis,    Indiana. 

J.   J.    Esher. 

M 

Ma\er. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

13 

1865 

Sept. 

14 

South  Bend,   Indiana. 

Jos.   Long. 

M 

Mayer. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

14 

1866 

Sept. 

13 

Evansville,  Indiana. 

J.    J.    Esher. 

iM 

Mayer. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

15 

1867 

Sept. 

5 

Dayton,   Ohio. 

Jos.   Long. 

M 

Mayer. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

16 

18GS 

Sept. 

10 

South  Bend,  Indiana. 

Jos.   Long. 

M 

Hoehn. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

17 

1SG9 

Sept. 

9 

Olney,   Illinois. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

M 

Klaiber. 

C. 

Wessling. 

18 

1870 

Sept. 

8 

Indianapolis,    Indinaa. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

M 

Hoehn. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

19 

1871 

Sept. 

7 

Louisville,    Kentucky. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

J. 

Berger. 

J. 

Miller. 

20 

1872 

Sept. 

12 

Elkhart,   Indiana. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

J. 

Berger. 

M. 

Klaiber. 

21 

1873 

Sept. 

11 

E.   Germantown.   Ind. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

J. 

Berger. 

J. 

A.    Mayer. 

22 

1874 

Sept. 

10 

Noblesville,    Indiana. 

R.    Yeakel. 

M 

Hoehn. 

J. 

A.    Mayer. 

23 

1875 

Sept. 

2 

Mt.  Carmel,   Illinois. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

M. 

Hoehn. 

J. 

A.    Maver. 

24 

1876 

Sept. 

11 

Bremen,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

C. 

C.    Beyrer. 

I). 

S.    Oakes. 

25 

1877 

Sept. 

20 

Linn  Grove,  Indiana. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

C. 

C.  Baumgartner. 

D. 

S.   Oakes. 

26 

1878 

Apr. 

18 

Urbana,   Indiana. 

R.    Dubs. 

c. 

C.  Baumgartner. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

27 

1879 

Apr. 

17 

Bremen,   Indiana. 

R.  Yeakel. 

c. 

C.  Baumgartner. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

28 

1880 

Apr. 

1 

Indianapolis,    Indiana. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

C. 

C.    Beyrer. 

29 

1881 

Apr. 

7 

Elk.,   Watchtower,   Ind. 

T.    Bownnan. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

H. 

Arlen. 

30 

1882 

Apr. 

6 

Waterloo,    Indiana. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

H. 

Arlen. 

31 

1883 

Mar. 

29 

E.   Germantown,   Ind. 

R.    Dubs. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

H. 

Arlen. 

32 

1884 

Mar. 

27 

Rochester,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

D. 

S.    Oakes. 

H. 

Arlen. 

33 

1885 

Mar. 

26 

South    Bend,    Indiana. 

R.    Dubs. 

H. 

Arlen. 

D. 

S.  Oakes. 

34 

1SS6 

Apr. 

1 

Dayton,   Ohio. 

T.    Bowman. 

H. 

Arlen. 

C. 

C.   Beyrer. 

35 

1887 

Mar. 

31 

Rochester,    Indiana. 

J.    J.    Esher. 

H. 

Arlen. 

c. 

C.    Beyrer. 

36 

1S8S 

Apr. 

5 

Decatur,    Indiana. 

R.    Dubs. 

C. 

C.    Beyrer. 

H. 

Arlen. 

37 

1S89 

Apr. 

4 

Elk.,   Div.   St.,   Ind. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

c. 

C.    Bevrer. 

S. 

H.    Baumgartner. 

38 

1890 

Mar. 

27 

Portland,    Indiana. 

J.  J.  Esher. 

c. 

C.    Beyrer. 

s. 

H.    Baumgartner. 

39 

1891 

Mar. 

26 

Bremen,   Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

Geo.    Roederer. 

40 

1892 

Apr. 

7 

N.   Paris,   Indiana. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

Geo.   Roederer,  J.  M.   Dustman. 

41 

1S93 

Apr. 

6 

Davton,   Com.   St.,   0. 

T.    Bowman. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

G. 

M.  Hallwachs,    J.  M.  Dustman. 

42 

1S94 

Apr. 

5  Indianapolis,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

J. 

H.  Evans,   G.  M.   Hallwachs. 

43 

1895 

Apr. 

4 

Elk.,  Watchtower,   Ind. 

J.    J.    Esher. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

J. 

H.   Evans,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

44 

1896 

Apr. 

2 

Urbana,    Indiana. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

M. 

L.  Scheidler,  L.  J.  Ehrhardt. 

45 

1897 

Apr. 

1 

Wabash,   Indiana. 

J.    J.   Esher. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

T. 

Finkbeiiier,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

46 

1S9S 

Apr. 

4 

Louisville,    Kentucky. 

Win.    Horn. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

47 

1899 

Apr. 

3 

Rochester,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

s. 

H.  Baumgartner. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

48 

1900 

Apr. 

2 

Dayton,  Ohio. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

49 

19111 

Apr. 

11 

Berne,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

50 

1902 

Apr. 

10  South   Bend,   First   Ch. 

T.    Bowman. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

51 

1903 

Apr. 

2  Indianapolis,     Indiana. 

Wm.    Horn. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.    J.   Ehrhardt. 

52 

1904 

Apr. 

7  Bremen,    Indiana. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

T. 

Finkbeiner,   L.   J.   Ehrhardt. 

53 

1905 

Apr. 

6 

Rochester,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.    Haist,   L.   J.    Ehrhardt. 

54 

1906 

Apr. 

5 

West  Salem,  Illinois. 

Wm.    Horn. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.    Haist,   L.   J.    Ehrhardt. 

55 

1907 

Apr. 

4 

Ft.   W^ayne,   Indiana. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.    Haist,   L.    J.    Ehrhardt. 

56 

1908 

Apr. 

2 

Huntingbur^,     Indiana. 

Wm.    Horn. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.  Haist,  S.  H.  Baumgartner. 

57 

1909 

Apr. 

7 

Elkhart,   Indiana. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.   Haist,    A.    G.    Stierli. 

58 

1910 

Apr. 

7 

Wabash,  Indiana. 

S.  P.  Spreng. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.   Haist,    A.    G.   Stierli. 

59 

1911 

Apr. 

6 

Berne,    Indiana. 

T.    Bow-man. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.    Haist,    A.    G.   Stierli. 

60 

1912 

.\pr. 

4 

Davton,    Ohio. 

S.  C.  Breyfogel. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.   Haist,   A.   G.   Stierli. 

61 

1913 

.\pr. 

2 

Indianapolis,    Indiana. 

Wm.    Horn. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

E. 

Q.    Laudeman,   A.    G.    Stierli. 

62 

1914 

Apr. 

1 

Linn  Grove,  Indiana. 

S.   P.    Spreng. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.   Haist,  A.   G.   Stierli. 

63 

1915 

Apr. 

7 

Kendallville,    Indiana. 

T.    Bowman. 

J. 

H.    Evans. 

A. 

B.  Haist,  A.  G.  Stierli. 

64 

1916 

Apr. 

5 

Huntingburg,     Indiana. 

379 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


C^onference  Officers  since   1852. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS 

A.  B.  Schafer,  1862-3 ;  Jos.  Fisher,  1864 ;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1865- 
68;  John  Fox,  1869;  G.  G.  Platz,  1870;  J.  M.  Corner,  1871;  M.  W. 
StefFey,  1872-75;  Jos.  Fisher,  1876;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1877;  E.  L. 
Kipling-er,  1878-79;  M.  W.  Steffey,  1880-3;  Jos.  Fisher,  1884-93; 
J.  M.  Haug-,  1894-6;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1897-07;  J.  Kaufman,  1908-12; 
Aug.  Geist,  1913-15. 

SECRETARIES 

J.  J.  Esher,  1852 ;  A.  Nicolai,  1853-6 ;  A.  B.  Schafer,  1857 ;  M. 
Hoehn,  1858-60;  G.  G.  Platz,  1861;  Mel.  Mayer,  1862:  M.  Hoehn, 
1863;  Mel.  Mayer,  1864-67;  M.  Hoehn,  1868;  M.  Klaiber,  1869; 
M.  Hoehn,  1870;  John  Berger,  1871-3;  M.  Hoehn,  1874-5;  C.  C. 
Beyrer,  1876;  C.  C.  Baumgartner,  1877-9;  D.  S.  Oakes,  1880-4;  H. 
Allen,  1885-7;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1888-90;  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  1891-9; 
J.  H.  Evans,  1900-15. 

TREASURERS 

G.  G.  Platz,  1862-3 ;  M.  Hoehn,  1864-73 ;  J.  M.  Comer,  1874-9 ; 
C.  F.  Hansing,  1880-81;  C.  C.  Beyrer,  1882-4;  Aug.  Geist,  1885-96; 
F.  E.  Zechiel,  1897-9;  A.  S.  Fisher,  1900-12;  J.  0.  Mosier,  1913-15. 

STATISTICAL  SECRETARIES 

The  first  Committee  on  Statistics  was  appointed  in  the  ses- 
sion held  in  1862.  The  office  of  statistician  began  about  1888.  In 
1862,  John  Fox;  1863,  M.  Krueger;  1864-6,  J.  M.  Gomer;  1867, 
E.  L.  Kiplinger;  1868-9,  J.  M.  Gomer;  1870,  M.  W.  Steffey;  ]871, 
Geo.  A.  Hertel;  1872-3,  M.  Klaiber;  1874,  J.  M.  Gomer;  1875,  D.  S. 
Oakes;  1876,  W.  G.  Braeckly;  1877-9,  J.  M.  Gomer;  1880,  C.  F. 
Hansing;  1881,  Aug.  Geist;  1882-3,  C.  C.  Beyrer:  1884-5,  Aug. 
Geist;  1886,  S.  B.  Kring;  1887-90,  A.  O.  Raber;  1891-99,  A.  S. 
Fisher;  1900-04,  A.  B.  Haist ;  1905-07,  C.  D.  Rarey;  1908-10,  E.  Q. 
Laudeman;  1911-1915,  W.  H.  Freshley. 

EDITORS  AND  PUBLISFIERS  OF  CONFERENCE  JOURNALS  SINCE  1891 


Editors 

1891-  4,  S.  H.  Baumgartner 

1895-  6,  Fred  Rausch 

1897-  9,  M.  L.  Scheidler 

1900-  3,  J.  H.  Evans 

1904-  6,  J.  H.  Rilling 

1907-11,  D.  D.  Spangler 

1912-15,  C.  A.  Hirschman 


PublisJiers 
1891-  2,  S.  H.  Baumgartner 
1893-  9,  M.  L.  Scheidler 
1900-  3,  Thorn.    Finkbeiner 
1904,        O.  L.  Mai  kman 
1905-  6,  J.  H.  Rilling 
1907-11,  D.  D.  Spangler 
1912-15,  Carl  Hirschman 


380 


CONFERENCE  OFFICERS  SINCE   1852 

CONFERENCE  TRUSTEE  BOARDS 

The  Conference  Board  of  Trustees  is  elected  as  a  whole  for 
a  term  of  thiee  years,  and  trustees  are  eligible  for  re-election. 
According  to  an  additional  article,  which  was  added  to  the  "Arti- 
cles of  Incorporation,"  the  first  Board  was  elected  in  1894. 

The  following  Boards  served : 

1894— D.  S.  Oakes,  J.  M.  Haug,  D.  Martz,  C.  F.  Hansing,  Aug. 

Geist. 

D.  S.  Oakes  resigned  in  1895,  and  J.  H.  Evans  was  elected 

to  fill  the  vacancy. 
1897— J.   H.   Evans,   D.   Martz,   D.   S.   Oakes,   Aug.   Geist,   C.   F. 

Hansing. 
1900— C.    F.   Hansing,    S.   H.   Baumgartner,   J.   H.    Evans,   A.   S. 

Fisher,  D.  Martz. 
1903 — J.   H.   Evans,   S.   H.   Baumgartner,   C.   F.   Hansing,   A.   S. 

Fisher,  L.  Newman. 
1906— L.  Newman,  L.  S.  Fisher,  A.  S.  Fisher,  D.  Martz,  S.  H. 

Baumgartner. 
1909— L.  Newman,  L.  S.  Fisher,  A.  S.  Fisher,  J.  O.  Mosier,  E.  M. 

Ray. 
1912— L.  Newman,  E.  M.  Ray,  L.  S.  Fisher,  J.  W.  Metzner,  J.  0. 

Mosier, 

L,  S.  Fisher  resigned  in  1914,  and  J.  J.  Wise  was  elected  to 

fill  the  vacancy. 
1915— J.   0.  Mosier,  E.  M.  Ray,  J.  W.   Metzner,  J.  J.  Wise,  L. 

Newman. 


Delegates  to  General  Conference  since  1852. 

1855 — S.  Dickover,  Geo.  G.  Platz,  Jos.  Fisher,  Jacob  Keiper  and 
And.  Nicolai. 
Alternates :  Chr.  Glaus  and  Phil,  Bretsch. 
1859— Abr.  B.  Schafer,  Geo.  G.  Platz,  Jos.  Fisher,  M.  W,  Steffey, 
Phil,  Bretsch. 
No  alternates, 
1868— M,  W,  Steftey,  Geo,  G,  Platz,  M,  Hoehn,  A.  B,  Schafer,  Jos. 
Fisher,  John  Fox, 
Alternates :  And,  Nicolai  and  Fr,  Wiethaup, 
1867— M,  Krueger,  M,  W,   Steffey,  Mel,  Mayer,  G,  G,  Platz,  M, 
Hoehn,  A.  B,  Schafer,  Joh,  Fox, 
Alternates:  Jos.  Fisher,  H.  L.  Fisher, 

381 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1871— M.  W.  Steffey,  Joh.  Fox,  M.  Mayer,  H.  L.  Fisher,  M.  Krue- 
ger,  Eli  L.  Kiplinger. 
Alternates:  J.  M.  Corner,  M.  Hoehn. 

1875— M.  W.  Steffey,  H.  L.  Fisher,  M.  Krueger,  E.  L.  Kiplinger, 
John  Fox,  J.  Kaufman,  M.  Mayer. 
Alternates : 

1879— M.  W.  Steffey,  Eli  L.  Kiplinger,  M.  Krueger. 
Alternates : 

1883— E.  L.  Kiplinger,  C.  C.  Baumgartner,  D.  S.  Oakes,  M.  W. 
Steffey. 
Alternates : 

1887— M.  W.  Steffey,  D.  S.  Oakes,  Aug.  Geist,  C.  C.  Baumgartner. 
Alternates :  C.  F.  Hansing,  D.  Martz. 

1891— D.  S.  Oakes,  D.  Martz,  H.  Arlen,  M.  W.  Steffey. 
Alternates:  Aug.  Geist,  C.  F.  Hansing. 

1895— D.  Martz,  C.  F.  Hansing,  J.  M.  Haug,  D.  S.  Oakes,  J.  H. 
Evans,  S.  H.  Baumgartner. 
Alternates:  Aug.  Geist,  A.  S.  Fisher,  J.  Kaufman. 

1899 — S.  H.  Baumgartner,  C.  F.  Hansing,  D.  S.  Oakes,  D.  Martz, 
J.  H.  Evans,  Geo.  Roederer. 
Alternates:  A.  S.  Fisher,  J.  M.  Haug,  M.  L.  Scheidler,  F. 
E.  Zechiel. 
1903— S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J.  M.  Haug,  D.  S.  Oakes,  C.  F.  Han- 
sing, J.  H.  Evans,  A.  S.  Fisher,  Aug.  Geist. 
Alternates:  F.  Rausch,  M,  L.  Scheidler,  W.  G.  Braeckly. 
1907— L.  S.  Fisher,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J.  O.  Mosier,  D.  Martz, 
D.  D.  Speicher,  J.  H.  Evans,  J.  H.  Breisch. 
Alternates — W.  G.  Braeckly,  M.  L.  Scheidler,  A.  S.  Fisher. 
1911— J.  O.  Mosier,  J.  W.  Metzner,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J.  J.  Wise, 
L.  S.  Fisher,  J.  H.  Breisch,  J.  H.  Evans,  W.  G.  Braeck- 
ley. 
Alternates:  G.  B.  Kimmel,  M.  L.  Scheidler,  L.  Newman. 
Lay  Delegates:   Geo.  W.  Frederick,  Chas.  Braitling,  Ezra 
Kimmel,  F.  H.  Hersh. 
1915— J.  J.  Wise,  J.  W.  Metzner,  S.  H.  Baumgartner,  J.  O.  Mosier, 
J.  H.  Evans,  J.  H.  Breish,  G.  B.  Kimmel,  L.  S.  Fisher. 
Alternates:  E.  W.  Praetorius,  J.  H.  Rilling,  L.  Newman. 
Lay  Delegates:   C.  L.  Hartman,  Wm.  Mertz,  G.  W.  Fred- 
erick, W.  H.  Ecki. 
Alternates:  N.  Barnheisel,  F.  Hersh. 

382 


OFFICERS  INDIANA  CONFERENCE  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 

Officers  of  the  Indiana  Conference  Missionary 

Society. 

PRESIDENTS 

From  1853-1875,  no  record  found ;  1876,  J.  Kaufman ;  1877-9, 
Jos.  Fisher;  1880-2,  M.  Hoehn ;  1883-6,  M.  W.  Steffey;  1887,  A.  R. 
Schafer;  1888-1899,  D.  Martz;  1900-7,  S.  H.  Baumgartner;  1908- 
1914,  L.  Newman;  1915,  E.  W.  Praetorius. 

VICE-PRESIDENTS 

1853-1876,  no  record  found;  1877-80,  M.  W.  Steffey;  1881-2, 
Jos.  Fisher;  1883,  M.  Hoehn;  1884,  E.  L.  Kiplinger;  1885-6,  Jos. 
Fisher;  1887-9,  John  Hoffman;  1890,  A.  O.  Raber;  1891-3,  A. 
Geist;  1894-7,  F.  Rausch;  1898,  S.  H.  Baumgartner;  1899,  J.  M. 
Haug;  1900-04,  J.  H.  Evans;  1905-7,  L.  Newman;  1908-13,  G.  B. 
Kimmel;  1914,  E.  W.  Praetorius;  1915,  L.  Newman. 

SECRETARIES 

1853-76,  no  record  found;  1877,  C.  C.  Beyrer;  1878-79,  J. 
Hoffman;  1880-82,  C.  C.  Beyrer;  1883-4,  H.  Arlen;  1885-6.  J.  Hoff- 
man; 1887-89,  J.  Miller;  1890-97,  W.  H.  Mygrant;  1898-1906,  J, 
O.  Mosier;  1907-10,  J.  W.  Metzner;  1911-15,  A.  A.  Knepper. 

TREASURERS 

1853-76,  no  record  found;  1877-79,  D.  S.  Oakes;  1880,  Geo. 
Roederer;  1881-1893,  D.  S.  Oakes;  1894-97,  Geo.  Roederer;  1898- 
1907,  F.  Rausch;  1908-11,  P.  L.  Browns;  1912-15,  J.  H.  Rilling. 

DELEGATES  TO  BOARD  OF   MISSIONS 

1853-76,  no  record  found;  1876-79,  E.  L.  Kiplinger;  1880,  M. 
W.  Steffey;  1881,  D.  S.  Oakes;  1882,  E.  L.  Kiplinger;  1883,  D.  S. 
Oakes;  1884,  M.  W.  Steffey;  1885-90,  D.  S.  Oakes;  1891-99,  D. 
Martz;  1900-1,  C.  F.  Hansing;  1902-3,  S.  H.  Baumgartner;  1904- 
07,  D.  Martz;  1908-10,  S.  H.  Baumgartner;  1911,  J.  J.  Wise;  1912,. 
L.  S.  Fisher;  1913-14,  J.  W.  Metzner;  1915,  J.  J.  Wise. 

ALTERNATE  DELEGATES  TO  BOARD  OF  MISSIONS 

1853-75,  no  record  found ;  1876-79,  M.  W.  Steffey ;  1880-83,  no 
record;  1884,  E.  L.  Kiplinger;  1885,  M.  W.  Steffey;  1886,  C.  C. 
Baumgartner;  1887,  A.  Geist;  1888,  J.  Berger;  1889,  D.  Martz; 
1890,  M.  W.  Steffey;  1891-93,  D.  S.  Oakes;  1894,  J.  M.  Haug;  1895- 
1899,  D.  S.  Oakes;  1900-01,  S.  H.  Baumgartner;  1902-3,  C.  F.  Han- 
sing; 1904-7,  S.  H.  Baumgartner;  1908,  L.  S.  Fisher;  1909-14,  L. 
Newman;  1915,  J.  W.  Metzner. 

383 


LOCAL  SOCIETIES,  FROM  WHICH  OUR  LICENSED 
PREACHERS  CAME 


Akron    Mission 

1.  J.    S.    Kroft     l!ii),; 

2.  A.    D.    Kroft     1!HI8 

Bii'Fus   Circuit 
Bcthrl    Class 

1.   H.     Schleucher     1871 

■2.   Win.     Wiedenheft     1883 

3.  J.    H.    Schnltz    1SS4 

4.  E.     W.     Schmalzrietl     ..1!)10 

Bippus    Class 
1.   W.     H.     Hiig'iitiniie 


Ll(>\d     F. 


.1883 
.1011 


Breiiex    Station 

1.  John     Berger     1864 

2.  Geo.     Ziliimer     1804 

3.  Wash.    Knobhuich     18(5!l 

4.  L.     Stock     187!) 

5.  E.    C.    Ewald    1898 

6.  E.    Q.    Laiideinan    li)o:i 

7.  F.    B.    Wahiior     l!)l)l 

8.  E.    E.    Miller    IDdT) 

9.  Geo.    S.    Lozier     1011 

10.  O.    0.    Lozier    1914 

Bunker     Hill     Circuit 
]yaupcco7i(/    Ciiss 

1.  J.     M.     Condo     1864 

2.  E.     E.     Condo     1866 

3.  S.    S.    Condo     1869 


Zion     Clasx 

K.    Trover     1 

J.    Trover    1 

K.    Trover     1 

T.    Hochstetler    1 

W.     Loop     1 

S.    Fisher    1 

W.    Fisher    1 

M.    Lantz     1 


867 
868 
868 
869 
873 
887 
888 
903 


Camp    Creek    Circuit,    Illinois 
1.   Phil.     Miller     1S66 

C'ARMi   Circuit^    Illinois 
Carmi    Class 

1.  Chr.    Ude    1857 

5.  J.    M.    Gomer    1850 

3.  Martin    Speck     1860 

4.  John    Beck     1864 

5.  Jos.    A.    Maior    1866 

Celina    Circuit 
Ilapr     Clais 

1.  J.     II.    Stedcke     1876 

2.  J.    E.    Smith     iSSn 

3.  F.     J.     Stedcke     1894 

Salem    Class 
1.  J.    II.    Evans    1881 

Cicero   Circuit 

1.  J.     Fritz     1874 

2.  J.     Harper     1880 

Tipton    C/as'.s 
1.   Dr.    niest    

Culver    Station 
1.    1).    J.    Pontius 


2. 

F. 

E.    Zeeliiel     

..1888 

3. 

S. 

1.    Zechiel     

.  .1894 

4. 

D. 

E.    Zechiel     

.  .1805 

5. 

D. 

A.    Kaley     

.  .1903 

Culver    Circuit 
Ilurr  (Ink  Class,  Pis:-. 

1.  II.     K.    Overniever     ...  .1870 

2.  W.    S.    Tracy    1888 


Germany     Class 

1.  Jolm    HoiTman    1858 

2.  Fred     Hoffman      1860 

3.  Sam'l     Plantz     1861 

4.  Geo.    W.    Wales    1867 

5.  James     Wales     1868 

6.  C.     Overme.ver     1909 

Trinitu    Class 

1.  C.    H.   Burgener    1896 

Grand     View    Class 

1.  Geo.    C.    Steininger    ...1887 

2.  B.     Webb     1887 

3.  Phil.     Buehler      1888 

4.  H.    H.    Steininger    1893 

Jerusalem    Class 

1.   H.    E.    Neff     

Letters     Ford     Class 

1.   D.     Light     1S72 

]Vasliinf;t(>n    Cla-s 

1.  E.    B.    Jones     1901 

Danville     Missicn,     Disc. 

1 .  Jacob    Funk    1867 

2.  J.     Dreisbach     1869 

3.  Aug.    Geist    1872 

4.  E.     D.     Einsel     1873 

Dayton,    Commercial 

1.  Geo.    Berstecher    1872 

2.  J.    A.    Tiedt    1890 

3.  E.    W.    Praetorius    1004 

Dayton,  Wayne  Ave. 

1.  G.    F.   Soreng.   Jr.,   O.   Conf. 

2.  H.    E,    Thompson    1S94 

3.  G.    B.    Kimmel     1897 

4.  M.    W.    Strahler    1900 

5.  W.    R.    Kimmel    1914 

Decatur    Mission 

1.  A.    Elzv    1894 

2.  A.    Van    Camp    1897 

3.  Chas.     McConnelicy     ...1808 

Furman    Class,    Disc. 

1.  D.    D.    Spangler    1887 

2.  C.    W.    Spangler    1892 

Salem    Class 

1.  J.    S.    Stoop     1883 

2.  E.   B.   Kern    1801 

3.  S.    C.    Kramer     1806 

Defiance   Circuit 
Calvanj   Class 

1,  P.   L.   Browns    1803 

2.  L.    E.   Smith    1006 

Deeiance    Mission 

N.     Ollre     Class 

1.   D.    Jolly     1889 

Edgerton    Circuit 
()al:  Grove 

1.  Ilcnrv    Maier     1S61 

2.  Rob.     Rainev     1882 

3.  G.    F.    Ziiber    1896 

4.  S.    D.    Rainey    1904 

Salem    Class 

1.  J.     S.     Mever     1870 

2.  E.    E.   Mever    1885 

3.  H.    E,    Meyer     1886 

East     (Iehmantown 
Xew    Lisbon    Class,    Dise. 

1.  Adam    Hartzler     1865 

2.  S.    S.    Albert     1865 

3.  Jacob    Ilmitsinger    ....1872 

384 


Dublin    Class 

1.  S.    Diekover     1846 

2.  A.    V.    Scheidler    1868 

3.  B.    F.    Dill    1872 

4.  M.   L.   Scheidler    1887 

5.  C.    M.    Pierce    1887 

6.  W.     E.     Snyder     1894 

Elberfeld    Circuit. 
TaJior    Class 

1.  Adolph    Dassel     1862 

2.  W.    L.   Luehring    1877 

3.  S.    J.    Luehring    

4.  II.    Holzgi-afe    

5.  B.    Schuermeier    1889 

Sommerville    Class 
1.   C.     Kohlmeior     1857 

Elkhart,   Ger.man,   Disc. 

1.  C.    Kerstetter    1865 

2.  D.    E.    Fox    1883 

Elkiiakt,    Watciitower,    Disc. 

1.  I.    B.    Fisher    1877 

2.  Geo.    B.    Holdeman    ...1884 

3.  W.    S.    Mills    1893 

4.  Arthur  Wevrick    1897 

5.  Rov    Garl    1897 

6.  Geo,    C.    Lutman    1902 

Elkhart,   First  Church 

1.  C.    E.    Bover     1007 

2.  M.    O.    Herman     1010 

3.  C.    Berger    1015 

Elkhart,    Bethel    Circuit 
Salem    Class 

1.  David    Garl     1856 

2.  D.    S.     Oakes     1862 

3.  P.     Thornton     18()2 

4.  Ad.    R.    Schafer    1871 

Enterprise,  Illinois 

1.  Chr.     Stier     1875 

2.  H.     Gocker     1893 

3.  J.     W.     Feller     1805 

EVANSVILLE    Station 
1.  Jacob    Miller     1866 

Ft.   Wayne   Station 
1.   L.    S.   Fisher    1883 

(hiAYViLLE    Mission 
1.   Jac.b    M(n\c    1872 

Greenville    Mission 
1.   Peter     Roth     1S50 


2.  Chas.     Seliamo 

3.  Wm.     H.     Klurk 


.1864 
.1013 


HiCRSViLLE,    Ohio 

1.   E.    R,    Roop    1000 

Huntingburg 


1.  Fr.    Wiethaup    

2.  Wm.     Bockman     .  . 

3.  Geo.   Koch    

4.  W.     Wesseler     .... 

5.  M.     Krueger     

6.  C.    Stoekhow     .... 

7.  Gerh.     Koeli     

8.  I'"r.     Reutejioehler 

9.  M.    W.    Suuderman 

10.  B.    Reutepoehler    .  . 

11,  F.    S.    Erne    


1847 
1853 


1855 
1856 
1871 
1  8S3 
1803 
1896 
1899 
1899 


LOCAL  SOCIETIES  FROM  WHICH  OUR  PREACHERS  CAME 


HUxN'TINGTON 

1.  Sam.     Beverly     IS'Ji 

2.  R.   F.   Jamison    lSi)2 

3.  D.     D.     Suit     lS!)(i 

4.  G.    D.    Eastes    11)07 

Meyers    CUuts,    Disc. 
1.   J.  M.   Dustman    1ST4 

IXDEPEXDEXCIC,     DlSC. 

1.  M.    Klaiber    1S5S 

Indianapolis,,    First    C'liuiicii 


1.  W.    G.    Braeckley 

2.  John   Abrams    .  . . 

3.  C.     F.     Brauer     .  . 

4.  C.    A.    Hirschman 

5.  H.    E.    Eberhart 

G.  H.    L.    Meyer     


North    Mission,   Dis 
1.   Geo.    Streicher    .... 


.1870 
.1871 
.1872 
.1906 
.1914 
.1914 


JuLiETTA,    Disc. 


1.  C.    F.    Hansing    .  .  . 

2.  C.   F.  W.   Hansing 


.1875 

Indian    Creek,    Disc. 
I.  J.     Harper    ' 1889 

JoNESBORO,,   Illinois,    Disc. 

Ebenezer    Class 

1.   F.  Theiss   

Kendallville   Station 

1.  Geo.    Diegel     

2.  Wm.    Ackerman    1S7() 

3.  E.    B.    Conklin    18S8 

Lake  Bruce  Circuit 

1.  J.   M.    Rogers    1891 

-2.   A.    F.    Wiesjahn     1890 

River    Bank 

1.  H.    Prechtel     1872 

2.  U.     H.     Carev     1894 

3.  E.   E.   Werner    1898 

Lake    Creek,    Illinois,    Disc. 

1.   Casper    Doehring    188.5 

Lakeville    Mission 

Tabor    Class 

1.   Ira    Steele    

Lancaster 

1.    I.    H.    Griesomer    1889 

-2.   R.   C.   Wise    1909 

LarwilLj    Disc. 

1.  L.   F.  Coverdale    1876 

Linn  (Jrove  Circuit 

Lima  Class 

1.  Dr.   C.   C.  Baumgartner.1870 

2.  E.    H.    Baumgartner    ..1910 

3.  E.    E.    Roberts    1915 

Vera  Cruz  Cla.'ss 

1.  Jacob    Sutter     1874 

2.  S.    H.   Bamngartner    ...1887 

Salem    Class 

1.  John    Fox    1853 

2.  Fr.     Geisel     1855 

3.  Ed.    Habbegger     1915 


Louisville    Station 

1.  Fr.     Maurer     1809 

2.  Geo.    Roederer     1874 

3.  John     Bruckert     1875 

4.  Geo.      Hallwaehs      1885 

5.  F.   C.   Stierli    

(i.  G.    A.    Stierli     1S99 

7.  J.     J.    Maier     1904 

8.  Irvin     Roederer      1911 

Louisville,    Trinity    Mission 

1.  Rob.    Tiersch     1893 

2.  J.    L.    Buyer    1895 

Markel  Circuit 

1.  W.    H.    Mvgrant    1882 

2.  E.    Hauser    1909 

Marshall    Circuit 

1.  Geo.     Schmoll      1801 

2.  John     Kaufman     1804 

3.  N.    F.    Platz    1874 

Biff    Creek    CUfis 

1.  M.    F.    Finkbeiner    1859 

2.  John    Mundorf     1884 

3.  Ben.    Buehler     1899 

Mishawaka   Circuit 

1.  Mich.    Zinimer    1855 

2.  A.    A.    Knepper    1905 

3.  Irvin    Spencer     1900 

Coal  Bush  Class 

1.  L.  J.  Ehrhardt    1888 

2.  U.    G.    Gillraan    1907 

MississiNAWA,    Disc. 

1 .  J.     Schaniber     1874 

2.  S.     Hofferbert      1888 

Schwartz  Class 
1.   J.    C.    Schuh     1805 

Mt.  Carmel  Station 
1.   B.   A.  Mayer    1914 

MizPAH,  South  Bend 

1.  N.    F.    Platz    1895 

2.  Edw.    Greiner    1900 

Nappanee   Mission 
1.   C.    1).    Ringgenberg    ...1S97 

Nappanee    Circuit 
Ilcpton   Class 

1.  Peter    Burgener     1848 

2.  Phil.     Haney      1914 

Island    Class 

1.  W.     Pinkerton     1878 

2.  Lloyd    Haney     1911 

Jerusalem    Class 
1.   John    Stover    

New    Paris   Circuit 
Harrison  Center  Class 

1.  S.    H.    Pontius    1888 

2.  B.    F.    Fehnell     1887 

North  Webster  Circuit 

1.  J.    F.    Bockman    1871 

2.  F.    L.    Snvdcr    1887 

3.  F.    W.    llart    1888 

4.  B.     F.    Snyder     1886 

Olnkv    Station 

1.  Cl'.r.    Heim     1864 

2.  Fred    Lanner     1866 

3.  Ben.    Koenig    1896 

385 


(Inind    I'rairie,    Disc. 
.laciih    Grueneisen     ....1861 

I'liiLLiPSBURG    Circuit 
Vaiidalia  Class,  Disc. 

J.  M.  Kronniiller    Is53 

ir-,//    Creek    Class,    Disc. 

F.    liohlander    ls73 

Wares   Chapel 
C.    Sehlotterbaek     I'llo 

Portland     Mission 

Jolni    Rees     ^  s8S 

W.    II.   Stowell    looi) 

E.    D.    Haley     1912 

Portland     Circuit 
Bear    Creek    Class 

J.    W.    Metzner     1891 

Bethel    Class 

Phil.    Orth     1883 

Laf.    Orth    1894 

North   CoriHlnu,  Disc. 
David     Black     1879 

RiCHiMOND,    Disc. 
Wui.     Koenig     1869 

RiDGEViLLE    Circuit 
Emmettsvillc    Class 

J.    E.    Young    

J.    J.    Wise    1893 

1).   <).   Wise    1905 

Rockport    Mission 

Mel.    Maver     1855 

C.    P.    Maas    1902 

Zoar    Class 

('has.     R.    Koch     1873 

W.    II.   Freshley    1900 

Royal  Center 
Common  Center  Class 

,   D.   R.    Heil    1901 

,   J.    M.    Kistler     1912 

Lucerne    Class,    Disc. 
.  Levi    Newman     1893 

Bell     Center,     Disc. 
.   W.   Bernethy    1896 

Hoiiai    Center    Class 

.    Allen     l)e    Witt     1915 

.   R.     llandsehu     1915 

Salf.m,    Fulton    Co.^    Disc. 

.  Jolm    Kiplinger     1856 

.   E.    L.    Kiplinger     1856 

.   Sol.    Wilderinuth     1859 

.  S.     Kiplinger     1861 

.   Wni.    Wilderinuth     1869 

South  Bend,  German 
.   Geo.    W.    Freehafer    ...1871 

.   C.    C.    Beyrer    1873 

.   .\ug.    Iwan    1876 

.  E.  J.   Nitsche    1881 

.  Louis   Neitzel    1882 

San   Pierre  Circuit 
San    Pierre    Class 

.  J.  L.   Buver.   Jr 1911 

.   Jac.     Arndt      1915 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Bethlehem  Class 

1.  Wm.    Lueder    1869 

2.  F.   C.   Wacknitz    1913 

Wanatah    Class 
1.  Carl    Kalwitz    1871 

Scott  CmcmT 
Grand   Victory   Class 

1.   Geo.    A.    Hertel    1859 

St.  Paul  Class 
1.  W.    H.    Reihle    1894 

Stracuse   Mission 

1.  Lloyd    Launer     1914 

Ehenezer    Class 
1.  Moses    Beyrer    

Ott's     Class,     Disc. 
1.  John    Rookstool    1853 

Terre    Haute 

1.  And.    N.    Fo.x    1888 

2.  John    Sturtz    1893 

Urbana  Station 

1.  D.    D.    Speicher    1885 

2.  C.   D.   Wendall    1891 

3.  Geo.   E.   Speicher    1891 

4.  Peter   S.    Speicher    1892 

5.  Chas.   E.   Geist    1904 

6.  J.    Louis   Speicher    1908 

7.  Geo.    Pullman     1910 

8.  Earl     Snyder     1910 

Van    Wert    Mission 

1.  J.    O.    Mosier    1895 

2.  Jac.    Bohyer    1897 

Wabash 

1.  F.    Rausch     1884 

2.  F.    F.    McClure    1899 

3.  C.   W.    Schlemmer    ...•.190. 

4.  J.   W.   Thomas    1915 

Wabash    Circuit 

Zion    Cla^s 

1.   Ira    Dawes     1908 

Wakarusa,    Disc. 

1.  D.    H.    Hoover    1885 

2.  C.    A.    Wright    1908 

Warsaw,    Disc. 
1.  H.    Strickler    1848 

Waterloo    Circuit 
County    Line     Class 

1.  Geo.    Fredrick     1875 

Pleasant   Hill 

1.   H.    H.   Reinoehl    1889 

West    Salem 

1.  C.    F.    Mathias    1861 

2.  C.     Harms     1895 

3.  O.   L.   Markinan    1895 

Wolcottville    Circuit 
1.  A.    O.    Raber    1878 


Entered  Licensed 

Indiana  by  other 

Conference  Conferences 

From   Ohio   Conference 

1843     A.    Nicolai    1843 

1843     Chr.     Glaus     1843 

1845     J.    Trometer     1845 

1849     Peter  Goetz    

These  came  to  Hlinois  Con- 
ference before  organization  of 
Indiana  Conference: 

1853  Jacob   Fisher    

1853  Sam.    Miesse     1828 

1856  A.    B.    Schafer    1830 

1856  L.    Schuerman    1850 

1856  M.    Alspach    1855 

1856  M.   Hoehn    

1856  Geo.    Klocpfer    1841 

1858  Phil.    Scliwartz     1846 

1859  Rub.     Riegel     1846 

1860  Phil.    Schwille    

1864  B.    Hoffman    

1864  J.    Rosenberg    

1865  Peter   AViest    

1870     C.    Tramer    1856 

1898  V'm.    Engle    

1900     W.    H.    Brightmire    .1883 

Illinois  Conference 

1852  B.     Uphaus     1848 

1852  B.   Ruli    1852 

1852  F.    Schuerman    1850 

1852  G.    Franzen    1850 

These  were  licensed  in  the  Il- 
linois   Conference : 

1853  G.    G.   Platz    1844 

1856     Phil.    Bretsch     

1873      C.   F.   Hansing    

1896  Thom.   Finkheiner    

1897  J.    H.    Breish    

1902     C.    D.    Rarer 

1899  E.    J.    Oliver    1899 

Iowa    Conference 

1867  Jacob    Keiper     1849 

KAN.SAS  Conference 

1865  Phil.  Porr  1850 

1873  John  Beck  1864 

1873  Sol.  Shoof  

1911  C.   H.   Hartnian    

Pittsburg    Conference 

1886     S.   B.   Kring   1850 

1912  W.    J.    Weyant    

Michigan     Conference 

1868  Rub.    Riegel    again.. 1846 

1870     F.    F.    Mever    

1873     M.     Speck     1860 

1891     J.    M.    Hang    1857 

Ed.  Evans  was  licensed  by  the 
Indiana  Conference  in  1859.  He 
was  from   Compton,  Michigan. 

East  Pennsylvania  Conference 

1855     Chr.     Wessling     1855 

1863     II.   L.   Fisher    1857 

Germany   Conference 
1885     H.  Weisshaar    


Entered 
Indiana 
Conference 


Licensed 

by  other 

Conferences 


Switzerland  Conference 
1872     Jac.    Schmidle    


Japan    Mission 

1891     Kichinosukee  Kaneko    ... 
1S90     Wakatubo   Masutura    

These  were  merely  licensed  as 
Japan  Conference  was  not  yet 
organized. 

United  Brethren  Church 

1852     M.    W.    Steffev    1849- 

1852     Jos.    Fisher     184& 

These  two  were  first  members 
of  the  Illinois  Conference  until 
the  Indiana  Conference  was  or- 
ganized. 

1865  Chr.    Ade    

1880  J.    W.    Kemmerling.lSSa 

1886  T.    Carroll    1854 

1896  C.  D.  Rarey 1895. 

Methodist    Episcopal    Church 

]  862  M.    Koehl    

1875  H.     Lvons     1875- 

1880  D.     Martz     1880 

1888  S.   Hofferbert    1888. 

1909  J.    S.    Young    

1910  G.   A.   Weisshaar    

Methodist  Protestant  Church 
C.   F.   Mohr    

Old  Mennonite  Church 
1903     Frank    Hartman 

Apostolic    Holiness   Church 

1909     Ambrose  B.   Aegerter.... 
]  010     Wm.    Ma.xwen    

These  names  could  not  be 
classified  from  lack  of  informa- 
tion. Dates  show  when  they 
were  licensed  bj'  the  Indiana^ 
Conference : 

1855  Carl    Heiden     

1857  Josh.    Paulin    

1859  Sol.    Blaser     

1864  A.    Parker    

1864  G.   Kuttler    

1864  Chr.    Braun    

1865  Aug.     Scholz     

1865  Eli    Grim    

1867  Wm.    Honstadt    

1868  Clir.   Harte    

1869  Jasper    Atkinson    

1870  Levi    Grim    

1871  Jac.    Young    

1871  Jac.   Ressler    

1873  J.   Reiner    

1876  Jac.    Kolmer    

1876  L.    T.    Coverdale    

1879  G.   W.   Bryson    

1884  C.    Benncr    

1896  Harrv     Smith     

1897  T.    M.    Birdsell    - 


386 


RECEIVED   AND   LICENSED   ON   PROBATION   SINCE    1852 

Received  and  Licensed  as  Preachers  on   Probation 

since  1852. 

Explanation  : — In  the  earlj'  part  of  the  Conference,  as  was  customary  in  the  Evangelical  Associa- 
tion, tor  the  Quarterly  Conference,  as  well  as  the  Annual  Conferences  to  issue  licences  to  applicants  as 
preachers  on  probation.  When  such  as  had  received  Quarterly  Conference  licenses,  came  to  Confer- 
ence for  work,  they  were  simply  received  into  the  itinerancy  on  probation.  This  accounts  for  records 
of  some  who  were  received  into  the  itinerancy,  without  saying  that  they  received  license  as  preachers 
on  probation.  Now  Quarterly  Conferences  endorse  class  recommendations  to  preach,  and  can  examine 
applicants  on  the  Disciplinary  questions.  And  only  such  as  liave  been  advanced  to  deacon's  orders 
and  enter  the  Superannuation  Fund  can  now  be  received  into  the  itinerancy. — Historian. 

1853 — Henry  Strickler,  John  Fox,  John  Ruckstuhl,  Wm.  Bockman 

and  J.  M.  Kronmiller. 
1854— None. 
1855 — Carl  Heiden,  Fr.  Geisel,  Wm.  Wesseler,  Melchior  Mayer  and 

Chr.  Wessling. 
1856 — Elias  L.  Kiplinger,  John  Kiplinger,  David  Garl,  Wm.  Her- 

tel  and  Michael  Krueger. 
1857 — Josh.  Paulin,  Con.  Kohlmeier,  Chr.  Ude. 
1858 — John  Hoffman  and  Mathias  Klaiber. 
1859— Peter  Roth,  J.  Mich.  Comer,  Edw.  Evans,  Geo.  A.  Hertel, 

Sol.  Blasser. 
1860 — Frederick  Hoffman  and  Martin  Speck. 
1861 — Sam.    Kiplinger,    Jacob    Krumeisen,    Chr.    Mathias,    Geo. 

Schmoll,  Dan.  J.  Pontius,  Sam.  Plantz,  Henry  Maier. 
1862 — Peter  Thornton,  David  S.  Oakes,  Adolph  Dassel. 
1863— 
1864— A.  Parker,  G.  Kuttler,  Moses  Beyer,  Chr.  Braun,  Joh.  M. 

Condo,  John  Beck,  John  Berger,  Carl  Schamo,  John  Kauf- 
man, Geo.  Zimmer,  Chr.  Heim. 
1865 — Salem  S.  Albert,  Aug.  Scholz,  Adam  Hartzler,  Eli  Grim,  J. 

Chr.  Schuh. 
1866 — Phile.  Miller,  Eli  Condo,  Fr.  Launer,  Jacob  Miller  and  Jos. 

A.  Mayer. 
1867— Wm.  Honstadt,  Geo.  W.  Wales,  Henry  Funk,  Jac.  K.  Troyer. 
1868 — James  Wales,  Chr.  Harte,  Aaron  Scheidler,  And.  Troyer, 

Enos  R.  Troyer. 
1869 — Wm.  Koenig,  Eli  T.  Hochstetler,  Wm.  Lueder,  Jasper  L. 

Atkinson,  Wash.  Knoblauch,  Wm.  Wildermuth,  Jac.  Dreis- 

bach,  Fr.  Maurer,  S.  S.  Condo. 
1870 — Levi  Grimm,  Hiram  E.  Overmeyer,  Wm.  G.  Braeckly,  Cleo- 

phas  C.  Baumgartner. 

387 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1871 — John  Abrams,  Geo.  W.  Freehafer,  John  F,  Bockman,  Adam 

R.  Schafer,  Jac.  Young,  Carl  Kalwitz,  Henry  Schleucher, 

Chr.  Stockhowe  and  Jac,  Ressler. 
1872 — Jac.  Mode,  C.  F.  Brauer,  Geo.  Berstecher,  Henry  Prechtel, 

Jac.  Himtsinger,  Aug,  Geist,  B,  F,  Dili  and  D,  Light, 
1873— John  Stover,  Sol,  Shoop,  J.  W.  Loop,  W.  H.  Jones,  Earnst 

Bohlander,  C.  C,  Beyrer,  Ed,  D,  Einsel, 
1874 — J,  Reiner,  Nim,  J,  Platz,  Geo.  Roederer,  J.  Fritz,  Jac.  Sut- 
ter, J.  Schamber  and  J,  M.  Dustman. 
1875 — Chr.  Stier,  Carl  F.  W.  Hansing,  Jac.  Kolmer,  Geo.  Fredrick, 

Henry  Lyons  and  John  Bruckert. 
1876 — Wm.  Ackeiman,  L.  T.  Coverdale,  J.  H.  Stedcke,  Aug,  Iwan. 
1877— Israel  B.  Fisher, 
1878— Wes,  Pinkerton,  A,  O,  Raber, 
1879 — J,   E,   Moyer,   G,   W,   Bryson,   David   Black  and   Lawrence 

Stock, 
1880 — Joh.  E.  Smith,  David  Martz  and  J.  W,  Kemmerling. 
1881— Edw.  J,  Nitsche,  John  H,  Evans. 
1882 — Louis  Neitzle,  Wm.  H.  Mj^grant  and  Rob.  Rainey. 
1883— Dan.  E.  Hoover,  Dan.  F.  Fox,  Wm.  Wiedenheft,  Phil.  A. 

Orth,   Jos.   E.   Stoops,  Wm.   H.   Brightmeier  and   Lorenzo 

S.  Fisher. 
1884 — Geo.  B.  Holdeman,  Fred.  Rausch,  John  H.  Schnitz  and  C. 

Benner. 
1885 — Dan.  D.  Speicher,  Emil  E.  Meyers,  G.  Streicher. 
1886- Henry  E.  Neff,  Henry  E.  Meyers, 
1887 — Sam'l  H.  Baumgartner,  Albert  S.  Fisher,  Geo.  C.  Steininger, 

C.  M.  Pierce,  Monroe  L.  Scheidler,  Dan.  D.  Spangler,  Fred. 

L.  Snyder,  B.  F.  Fahnel,  B.  Webb. 
1888 — Phil.  Buehler,  John  Rees,  Fred.  E.  Zechiel,  Leo,  J,  Ehrhardt, 

Harry  W.  Fisher,  W.  S,  Tracy,  Fred.  W.  Hart,  Silas  H.  Pon- 
tius, E.  B.  Conklin  and  Sam.  Hofferbert. 
1889 — Henry  H.  Reinoehl,  D.  Jolly  and  J,  Harper, 
1890 — John  A.  Tiedt,  Wakatubo  Masutura,  a  Japanese,  licensed 

by  our  Conference  before  Japan  Conference  was  organized. 
1891 — Geo,  E.  Speicher,  John  W.  Metzner,  Ed.  B.  Kern,  Jesse  M. 

Rogers,   Chas.   D.   Wendall   and  a   Japanese,   Kichinosukee 

Kaneko,  licensed  for  the  same  reason  as  the  above. 
1892 — Chas.  W.  Spangler,  R.  F.  Jamison,  Peter  S.  Speicher,  Sam'l 

E.  Beverly. 
1893— Phil.  L.  Browns,  W.  S.  Mills,  Levi  Newman,  J.  Stortz,  Rob, 

Tiersch,  Howard  Steininger,  Henry  Gocker,  J,  J,  Wise,  Fred 

Reutepohler, 

388 


FORMATION  SOUTH  INDIANA  CONF.,  REINCORPORATION 

1894— H.   E.   Thompson,   Wm.   E.   Snyder,  A.   S.   Elzy,   Frank   J. 

Stedcke,   Wm.   Reily,   Laf.   L.   Orth,   U.   H.   Carey,   Sam   I. 

Zechiel. 
1895— Dan    E.    Zechiel,    Otto   Markman,    Noah    F.    Platz,   Jos.    L. 

Buyer,  John  W.  Feller,  John  O.  Hosier  and  Chas.  Harms. 
1896— Chr.  H.  Burgener,  D.  D.  Suit,  W.  Bernethy,  Alb.  Wiesjahn, 

Geo.    F.    Zuber,    Ben    E.    Koenig,    Martin    W.    Sunderman, 

Harry  Smith  and  Sam.  C.  Cramer. 
1897— Aith.  E.  Weyrick,  Roy  E.  Garl,  Gust.  B.  Kimmel,  Chr.  D. 

Ringgenberg,  Jac.  Bohyer,  Ans.  Van  Camp  and  F.  M.  Bird- 
sell 
1898— Emil  E.  Werner,  Ed.  C.  Ewald  and  Chas.  McConnehey. 
1899— Frank    F.    McClure,   Benj.   Buehler,    Frank   S.   Erne,   Ben. 

Reutepoehler,  Ed.  J.  Oliver,  Gust.  A.  Stierle. 
1900 — Edwin  Q.  Laudeman,  Edw.  Greiner  and  Wm.  H.  Freshley. 
1901 — Dan.  R.  Heil,  Frank  B.  Walmer  and  Everet  Jones. 
1902— Geo.  L.  Lutman  and  Chas.  P.  Maas. 
1903 — John  M.  Lantz,  Daniel  A.  Kaley  and  Frank  Hartman. 
1904 — Sch.  D.  Rainey,  J.  J.  Meyer,  Elmer  W.  Praetorius  and  Chas, 

E.  Geist. 
1905 — Alb.  A.  Knepper,  Edw.  E.  Miller,  Ira  Steele  and  David  0. 

Wise. 
1906— Irvin  G.  Spencer,  Sim.  J.  Kroft,  Lloyd  E.  Smith  and  Carl  A. 

Hirschman, 
1907— Clyde  E.  Boyer,  U.  G.  Oilman  and  Geo.  D.  Eastes. 
1908 — Ira   C.    Dawes,   J.   Lewis    Speicher,    Chas.   A.   Wright   and 

Adolph  D.  Kroft. 
1909 — Earnst   R.    Roop,    W.    A.    Stowell,    Chancy    D.    Overmeyer, 

Earnst  Hauser,  Rudolph  C.  Wise,  Amb.  B.  Aegerter  and 

M.  L.  Strahler. 
1910 — Mentor  O.  Herman,  Edw.  H.  Baumgartner,  Wm.  Maxwell, 

Geo.  Pullman,  Chr.  Schlotterbeck,  Earl  Snyder  and  E.  W. 

Schmalzried. 
1911 — Irvin  G.  Roederer,  Geo.  S.  Lozier,  Jos.  L.  Buyer,  Jr.,  Lloyd 

Haney,  Lloyd  Foulke. 
1912— Edw.  D.  Haley  and  James  Kistler. 

1913— Wm.  H.  Flurkey,  Fred.  C.  Wachnitz  and  D.  P.  Claypool. 
1914 — Floj'd  W.  Launer,  Ora  O.  Lozier,  Phil.  Haney,  Harry  L. 

Meyer,   Herb.   E.   Eberhart,   Walter  R.   Kimmel,    Bern.   A. 

Mayer. 
1915— E.  E.  Roberts,  J.  W.  Thomas,  Carl  Berger,  R.  W.  Hand- 

schu,  Allen  DeWitt,  Jacob  Aindt. 

389 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 


Received  from  other  Conferences  and  Churches. 

1853,  G.  G.  Platz,  111.  Conf. ;  Sam'l  Miesse,  Ohio  Conf.  (local)  ; 
Phil.  Bretsch.  1856,  Geo.  Kloepfer,  Ohio  Conf.  1858,  Phil. 
Schwartz,  Ohio  Conf.  1859,  Reuben  Riegel  and  Sam.  K.  Miesse, 
Ohio  Conf.  1860,  Phil.  Schwille,  Ohio  Conf.  1864,  Bath.  Hoffman 
and  J.  J.  Rosenbergei,  Ohio  Conf.  1865,  Chr.  Ade,  of  the  U.  B. 
Church ;  Peter  Wiest,  Ohio  Conf. ;  Phil.  Porr,  Kansas  Conf.  1867, 
Jacob  Keiper,  Iowa  Conf.  1870,  C.  Tramer,  Ohio  Conf.  1872,  H. 
Price.  Jac.  Schmidle,  Switzerland  Conf.  1873,  John  Beck,  Kansas 
Conf. ;  Martin  Speck,  Michigan  Conf. ;  Chas.  F.  Hansing,  111.  Conf. 
1875,  M.  Koehl,  M.  E.  Church.  1880,  F.  F.  Meyer,  Mich.  Conf. 
1885,  H,  Weishaar,  Germany  Conf.  Reuben  Riegel,  Mich.  Conf. 
Wm.  Ackerman,  Oregon  Conf.  1886,  Tim  Carroll,  U.  B.  Church; 
S.  B.  Kring,  Pitts.  Conf.  1887,  B.  F.  Snyder,  Dak.  Conf.  1891, 
J.  M.  Haug,  Mich.  Conf.  1893,  the  So.  Ind.  Conf.  ministers :  W.  G. 
Braeckly,  E.  Bohlander,  G.  M.  Hallwachs,  J.  Kaufman,  Wm.  Koe- 
nig,  W.  L.  Luehring,  J.  Mundorf,  E.  J.  Nitsche,  N.  J.  Platz,  H. 
Schleucher,  J.  H.  Schnitz,  Fr.  Schweitzer,  H.  Weishaar,  M.  F. 
Finkbeiner,  I.  Griesemer,  Ger.  Koch,  B.  Schuermeier,  F.  Stierle, 
Rob.  Tiersch;  as  locals,  Chr.  Heim,  J.  M.  Kronmiller,  J.  A.  Maier, 
G.  G.  Platz,  M,  Speck,  Wm.  Wesseler,  Fr.  Wiethaup,  Fr.  Dauner, 
C.  Kohlmeier,  Philemon  Miller,  J.  Miller,  local  from  M.  E.'s.  1895, 
J.  E.  Stoops,  Ore,  Conf. ;  J.  M,  Smith,  C.  S.  and  John  Jupin  from 
the  M.  E.  Church.  1896,  C.  D.  Wendall,  Des  Moines  Conf. ;  Thom. 
Finkbeiner  of  the  111.  Conf. ;  C.  D.  Rarey  from  the  U.  B.  Church. 
1898,  Wm.  Engel  of  the  Ohio  Conf.  (local)  ;  J.  W.  Lowle  from  the 
M.  E.'s  (local)  ;  J.  H.  Breish  from  the  111.  Conf. ;  J.  H.  Rilling  from 
Wisconsin  Conf.  1899,  I.  B.  and  L.  S.  Fisher  from  Oregon  Conf.; 
A.  Riemenschneider  from  111.  Conf.  (local).  1900,  J.  Trythall  of 
the  U.  B.  Church  (local)  ;  W.  H.  Brightmire  from  the  Ohio  Conf. 
(local  elder).  1901,  C.  A.  Row,  of  the  Refoimed  Church  (local 
elder).  1903,  D.  A.  Kaley  and  E.  C.  Bieri  (local  prob.)  from 
M.  E.  Church;  H.  Hardy  of  Church  of  God  (local  deacon),  J.  H. 
Heldt  of  the  M.  E.  Church  (local  deacon).  1904,  E.  R.  Troyer  of 
111.  Conf.  (local  elder)  ;  A.  R.  Stull  of  the  111.  Conf.  (prob.).  1905, 
1906,  1907,  1908,  F.  C.  Stierle  of  the  111.  Conf.  (local  elder).  1909, 
C.  W.  Schlemer  of  U.  B.  Church ;  G.  A.  Weishaar  of  the  Ger.  M.  E. 
Church  (local  probationers)  ;  A.B.Aegerter  of  the  Apostolic  Church 
as  applicant  for  license.     1910,  E.  B.  Jones  of  the  Apostolic  Holi- 

390 


ORDAINED  AS  DEACONS  SINCE   1852 

ness  Union  as  preacher  on  probation ;  T.  J,  Russell  of  the  Free 
Methodist  Church  (local  elder)  and  J.  W.  Carter  of  the  Platte 
River  Conf.  1911,  L.  J.  Ehrhart  of  the  Texas  Conf . ;  C.  H.  Hart- 
man  of  Kansas  Conf.  1912,  W.  I.  Weyant  of  the  Pittsb.  Conf.; 
Byron  G.  Smith  of  the  Free  Methodist  Church;  Jos.  Whinery  of 
the  Friends  Church  (local  prob.)  ;  S.  Hofferbert's  name  was  re- 
stored to  the  list  of  local  elders.  1913,  D.  P.  Claypool  of  the  Naza- 
rcne  Church,  as  probationer;  W.  S.  Mills  of  Ohio  Conf.,  local 
elder;  R.  W.  Loose  of  the  111.  Conf.  as  deacon.  1914,  C.  E.  Boyer 
from  Presbyterian  Church. 


Ordained  as  Deacons  since  1852. 

1852,  Peter  Burgener,  Jos.  Fisher.  1853,  Ger.  Franzen.  1854, 
Mich.  W.  Steffey,  Ber.  Ruh.  1855,  Henry  Strickler,  Wm.  Bockman, 
John  Fox,  John  M.  Kronmiller.  1856,  Geo.  Koch.  1857,  Mich. 
Alspauch,  Fr.  Geisel,  Mel.  Mayer,  Chr.  Wessling  Wm.  Wesseler, 
Jac.  Trometer.  1858,  Mich.  Krueger.  1859,  Con.  Kohlmeier,  Chr. 
Ude,  Josh.  Paulin,  Dan.  Bartholomew,  Eli  L.  Kiplinger,  John  Rie- 
gel.  1860,  John  Hoffman,  Sam.  K.  Miesse,  Math.  Klaiber.  1861, 
Edw.  Evans,  John  M.  Gomer,  Geo.  A.  Hertel,  Peter  Roth. 

1862,  Martin  Speck,  John  Kiplinger.  1863,  Geo.  Schmoll, 
Henry  L.  Fisher.     1864,  David  S.  Oakes,  Chr.  Heim,  Fr.  Frillman. 

1865,  John  Kaufman,  Geo.  Zimmer,  Mich.  Zimmer,  Carl  Schamo. 

1866,  John  Berger,  A.  Parker,  Sam.  Kiplinger,  Chr.  F.  Mathias, 
Chr.  Ade.  1867,  Chr.  C.  Schuh,  Ad.  Hartzler,  Salem  S.  Albert, 
Dan.  J,  Pontius.  1868,  Fr.  Launer,  Jac.  Miller,  Jos.  A.  Mayer, 
Eli  Condo,  J.  K.  Troyer.  1869,  Geo.  W.  Wales,  And.  Troyer.  1870, 
James  Wales.  1871,  Jac.  Maurer,  S.  S.  Condo,  Wm.  Lueder,  Wm. 
Koenig. 

1872,  Wm.  Wildermuth,  Enos  R.  Troyer,  Eli  Hochstetler, 
Hiram  E.  Oveimeyer,  Moses  Beyers,  Sam.  Planz.  1873,  Joh.  F. 
Bockman,  Herman  Schleucher,  Chr.  Stockhowe,  John  C.  Young, 
Wm.  Braeckly,  H.  Funk,  1874,  Geo.  W.  Freehafer,  Aug.  Geist, 
E.  D.  Einsel,  Fr.  Brauer,  Chas.  C.  Beyrer,  Ad.  R.  Schafer,  Aaron 
V.  Scheidler.  1875,  Geo.  Berstecher.  1876,  Nim.  J.  Platz,  Jac. 
Mode,  B.  F.  Dill,  Cleophas  C.  Baumgartner.  1877,  Geo.  Roederer, 
John  Bruckert.  1878,  J.  M.  Dustman.  1879,  J.  Ben.  Fisher,  Henry 
Prechtel,  Aug.  Iwan,  Jac.  Huntsinger.  1880,  Wm.  Ackerman,  A. 
O.  Raber,  J.  Fritz.    1881,  Henry  Arlen,  D.  Martz. 

1882.  none.  1883,  J.  E.  Smith.  1884,  none.  1885,  J.  E.  Stoops, 
Wm.   H.    Brightmire,    Rob.   Rainey,    C.    F.   W.    Hansing,    Lon.    S. 

391 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

Fisher.  1886,  Geo.  B.  Holdeman,  Phil.  A.  Orth,  Fred  Raiisch. 
1887,  Dan.  D.  Speicher.  1888,  John  H.  Evans,  Wm.  H.  Mygrant, 
Emil  E.  Meyers,  Alb.  S.  Fisher,  H.  E.  Neff.  1889,  S.  H.  Baum- 
gartner,  Monr.  L.  Scheidler,  Henry  E.  Meyers.  1890,  John  Rees, 
Sam.  Hofferbert,  Fred  E.  Zechiel,  Fred  L.  Snyder,  Dan.  D.  Spangler.. 
1891,  B.  Frank  Snyder,  Phil.  Buehler,  Silas  H.  Pontius. 

1892,  John  A.  Tiedt,  Henry  H.  Reinoehl.  1893,  Ishmael  H. 
Griesemer,  Leo.  J.  Ehrhardt,  John  W.  Metzner,  Jesse  M.  Rogers. 

1894,  Frank  R.  Jamison,  W.  S.  Tracy,  Chas.  W.  Spangier,  Benja- 
min Schuermeier,  Geo.  F.  Winter,  Chas.  M.  Pierce,  R.  J.  Harper. 

1895,  Phil.  L.  Browns,  Rob.  Tiersch,  Howard  H.  Steininger,  Henry 
Gocker,  Levi  Newman.    1896,  Sam.  I.  Zechiel,  Jacob  J.  Wise,  Wm. 

E.  Snyder,  Dan.  B.  Koenig.  1897,  Abr.  B.  Haist,  Chas.  Harms,  J. 
L.  Buyer,  C.  D.  Rarey,  Dan.  E.  Zechiel,  Carl  Kalwitz.  1898,  James 
H.  Rilling,  Otto  L.  Markman,  John  W.  Feller.  1899,  John  0. 
Mosier,  Sam.  S.  Cramer.  1900,  Chas.  McConnehey,  Frank  J. 
Stedcke.  1901,  Emil  Werner,  Gus.  B.  Kimmel,  Alf.  F.  Wiesjahn, 
Ben.  E.  Koenig,  Elmer  J.  Oliver,  Martin  W.  Sunderman. 

1902,  Frank  S.  Erne,  Wm.  H.  Freshley,  Chr.  H.  Burgener, 
Edw.  E.  Greiner.     1903,  Edw.  C.  Ewald,  Frank  B.  Walmer,  Frank 

F.  McClure,  Edw,  Q.  Laudeman.  1904,  Arth.  E.  Weyrick,  Fred. 
Reutepoehler.  1905,  John  M.  Lantz,  Chas.  P.  Maas,  Peter  S. 
Speicher.  1906,  Daniel  A.  Kaley.  1907,  G.  Adolph  Stierli,  Schuyler 
D.  Rainey,  Dan.  R.  Heil,  Dav.  O.  Wise,  Edw.  E.  Miller,  Geo.  C. 
Lutman,  Alf.  A.  Knepper.  1908,  Chas.  E.  Geist,  Elmer  W.  Prae- 
torius,  Lloyd  E.  Smith,  Geo.  F.  Zuber.  1909,  Clyde  C.  Boyer,  Geo. 
D.  Eastes,  Alb.  W.  Feller.  1910,  C.  A.  Wright,  Adolph  D.  Kroft, 
Ira  C.  Steele,  J.  Lewis  Speicher.  1911,  Simon  J.  Kroft,  Roy.  E. 
Garl,  Gus  A.  Weishaar,  Ambros  B.  Aegerter,  E.  B.  Jones,  Carl  A. 
Hirschman,  E.  R.  Roop. 

1912,  Chas.  W.  Schlemmer,  Edw.  H.  Baumgartner.  1913,  Jos. 
L.  Buyer,  Jr.  1914,  Geo.  Pullman,  Geo.  S.  Lozier,  James  M.  Kistler. 
1915,  I,  Roederer,  F.  C.  Wachnitz,  M.  0.  Herman,  L.  Haney. 


Ordained  as  Elders  since  1852. 

1852,  Bernh.  Uphaus.  1853,  Jacob  Keiper.  1854,  Jos.  Fisher, 
Peter  Burgener.  1855,  1856,  Mich.  W.  Steffey.  1857,  Wm.  Bock- 
man,  John  Fox,  John  M.  Kronmiller.  1858,  Bernh.  Ruh.  1859, 
Mich.  Alspauch,  Fr.  Geisel,  Chr.  Wessling,  Wm.  Wesseler,  Mel. 
Mayer,  Jac.  Trometer,  Geo.  Kloepfer.  1860,  Mich.  Krueger.  1861,, 
Chr.  Ude,  Dan.  Bartholomew. 

392 


ORDAINED  AS  ELDERS  SINCE  1852 

1862,  Math.  Klaiber,  John  Hoffman,  Josh.  Paulin,  Elias  L. 
Kiplinger.  1863,  Edw.  Evans,  John  M.  Gomer,  Peter  Roth. 
1864,  Geo.  A.  Hertel.  1865,  Henry  L.  Fisher.  1866,  Geo.  Schmoll, 
Chr.  Heim,  David  S.  Oakes.  1867,  John  Kaufman.  1868,  Chr.  F. 
Mathias,  Carl  Schamo,  John  Berger,  Sam.  Kiplinger.  1869,  Ad. 
Hartzler,  Salem  S.  Albeit,  A.  Parker,  Dan.  J.  Pontius,  Chr.  Ade. 
1870,  Fr.  Launer,  Jac.  Miller,  Jos.  A.  Mayer,  Chr.  C.  Schuh.  1871, 
J.  K.  Troyer. 

1872,  James  Wales.  1873,  Wm.  Koenig,  Jac.  Maurer,  Sam.  S. 
Condo.  1874,  Hiram  E.  Overmeyer,  Eli  T.  Hochstetler,  Enos  R. 
Troyer.  1875,  Wm.  G.  Braeckly,  J.  C.  Young,  C.  F.  Hansing,  C. 
Stockhowe.  1876,  E.  D.  Einsel,  Geo.  W.  Freehafer,  Aug.  Geist,  Ad. 
R.  Schafer,  Chas.  C.  Beyrer,  A.  Troyer.  1877,  John  F.  Bockman. 
1878,  B.  F.  Dill,  Cloph.  C.  Baumgartner.  1879,  John  Bruckert, 
Geo.  Roederer.  1880,  J.  M.  Dustman.  1881,  I.  Ben.  Fisher,  Aug. 
Iwan,  H.  Prechtel,  Wm.  Wildermuth. 

1882,  Wm.  Ackerman,  A.  0.  Raber.  1883,  D.  Martz,  Henry 
Arlen.  1884,  1885,  John  E.  Smith.  1886,  1887,  Lorenzo  S.  Fisher, 
Jos.  E.  Stoops,  Rob.  Rainey,  Carl  F.  W.  Hansing,  Wm.  Brightmire. 
1888,  Phil.  Orth.  1889,  Geo.  B.  Holdeman,  Dan'l  D.  Speicher,  Fred 
Rausch.  1890,  Wm.  Mygrant,  Alb.  S.  Fisher,  Henry  E.  Neff.  1891, 
Sam'l  H.  Baumgartner,  Monroe  L.  Scheidler,  Emil  E.  Meyers.  1892, 
John  H.  Evans,  Fred  E.  Zechiel,  Sam.  Hofferbeit,  Dan.  D.  Spangler, 
John  Rees.  1893,  Phil.  Buehler,  Silas  H.  Pontius.  1894,  John  A. 
Tiedt,  Henry  H.  Reinoehl.  1895,  Leo.  J.  Ehrhardt,  Ismael  H. 
Giiesemer,  John  W.  Metzner,  Jesse  M.  Rogers.  1896,  R.  F.  Jami- 
son, Benjamin  Schuermeier,  Chas.  W,  Spangler,  Chas.  M.  Pierce. 
1897,  Thom.  Finkbeiner,  Phil.  L.  Browns.  1898,  Sam.  I.  Zechiel, 
Dan.  B.  Koenig,  Wm.  E.  Snyder,  Henry  Cocker,  J.  M.  Smith.  1899, 
C.  D.  Rarey,  Abr.  B.  Haist,  Dan.  E.  Zechiel,  Jos.  L.  Buyer.  1900, 
Chr.  Harms,  Otto  L.  Markman.  1901,  John  0.  Mosier,  Sam  C. 
Cramer,  James  H.  Rilling,  Jacob  J.  Wise. 

1902,  John  W.  Feller,  Levi  Newman.  1903,  Martin  M.  Sun- 
derman,  Gus.  B.  Kimmel,  Ben.  E.  Koenig.  1904,  Chr.  H.  Burgener, 
Wm.  H.  Freshley,  Frank  S.  Erne,  Chas.  McConnehey.  1905,  Edw. 
E.  Greiner,  Chr.  D.  Ringgenberg,  Frank  B.  Walmer,  Frank  Hart- 
man,  Frank  F.  McClure,  Edw.  C.  Ewald.  1906,  1907,  W.  S.  Tracy, 
H.  Cocker.  1908,  Edw.  Q.  Laudeman,  Chas.  P.  Maas,  John  M. 
Lantz.  1909,  Alf.  A.  Knepper,  Edw.  E.  Miller,  David  O.  Wise, 
Fred  Reutepoehler,  D.  Alfred  Kaley.  1910,  E.  W.  Praetorius,  F. 
Zuber,  Chas.  E.  Geist,  Lloyd  E.  Smith.  1911,  Clyde  E.  Boyer, 
Frank  J.  Stedcke,  Dan.  R.  Heil. 

393 


INDIANA  CONFERENCE 

1912,  C.  A.  Wright,  John  H.  Heldt.  1913,  Carl  A.  Hirschman, 
Ambros  B.  Aegerter,  Gus  A.  Weishaar,  Alb.  W.  Feller,  Adolph  D. 
Kroft,  E.  B.  Jones.     1914,  E.  R.  Roop.    1915,  R.  W.  Loose. 


Credentials  Voted  Ministers  to  other  Conferences. 

1857,  to  S.  Dickover  and  L.  Schuerman  to  111.  Conference. 
1862,  to  B.  Ruh  to  the  111.  Conf.  1865,  to  J.  Rosenberg  to  Ohio 
Conf.  1867,  to  Peter  Wiest  to  Ohio  Conf.  1870,  to  D.  J.  Pontius 
to  Iowa  Conf.;  Chr.  Ade  to  Mich.  Conf.;  to  E.  E.  Condo  to  111. 
Conf.  1874,  to  Jacob  Rcssler;  Jacob  Keiper  to  the  111.  Conf.  and 
And.  Parker.  1875,  to  R.  Riegel  to  Mich.  Conf.;  to  H.  E.  Over- 
meyer,  but  replaced  it  in  1876;  Chr.  Glaus  to  the  Ohio  Conf.,  but 
died  before  it  could  be  deposited  in  this  Conf.  1876,  to  Edw.  Evans 
and  J.  Schmidli  to  the  Kans.  Conf. ;  to  S.  S.  Condo  to  the  Ohio 
Conf.  1879,  to  E.  D.  Einsel,  to  Platte  River  Conf.,  and  Jacob 
Maurer  to  the  Oregon  Conf.  1880,  to  B.  F.  Dill  to  Mich.  Conf. 
1884,  to  Fr.  Launer  to  Oregon  Conf.  1885,  to  E.  L.  Kiplinger  to 
the  Platte  River  Conf. ;  Wm.  Koenig  to  the  So.  Ind.  Conf.  1886,  to 
Geo.  Streicher  to  Neb.  Conf.  and  D.  E.  Hoover  to  Kans.  Conf. 
1887,  to  B.  F.  Fahnel  to  Kans.  Conf.  and  L.  S.  Fisher  by  appoint- 
ment of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Oregon  Conf.  1888,  to  I.  B. 
Fisher  to  the  Oregon  Conf.,  and  Aug.  Iwan  to  the  Texas  Conf.  by 
appointment  of  the  Board  of  Missions.  1889,  to  John  Berger  to 
the  Cal.  Conf.  1890,  to  J.  E.  Stoops,  by  Board  of  Missions  to  Ore- 
gon Conf.;  to  H.  E.  Meyers  to  the  Kans.  Conf.;  to  H.  Weishaar 
to  the  So.  Ind.  Conf.,  and  to  M.  Hoehn  to  the  111.  Conf.  1891,  to 
A.  0.  Raber  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  1892,  C.  C.  Beyrer  and 
H.  E.  Neff  to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  1893,  to  D.  J.  Pontius 
to  the  Texas  Conf.;  to  J.  C.  Young;  H.  Alien  to  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  1894,  to  W.  H.  Brightmire  and  W.  S.  Mills  to  the  Ohio 
Conf. ;  G.  M.  Hallwachs  to  the  111.  Conf.  1895,  to  F.  C.  Stierle  to 
111.  Conf. ;  B.  F.  Snyder  to  the  M.  E.  Church.  1896,  to  R.  Tiersch 
to  the  Erie  Conf.,  and  H.  E.  Thompson  to  the  Ohio  Conf.  1897, 
to  C.  S.  Jupin  to  the  M.  E.  Church.  1899,  to  C.  D.  Wendall  to 
Des  Moines  Conf. ;  to  W.  H.  Engel  to  E.  E.  Meyers.  1900,  F.  E. 
Zcchiel  to  the  Reformed  Church,  and  W.  E.  Brightmire  to  the 
M.  E.  Church.  1901,  to  C.  D.  Rarey  to  Texas  Conf.,  and  Wm. 
Lueder.  1902,  to  J.  M.  Smith.  1903,  R.  F.  Jamison  to  Ore.  Conf. ; 
J.  Harper  and  Benj.  Buehler.  1904,  to  A.  S.  Elzey.  1905,  J.  E. 
Moyer  and  J.  J.  Maier,  G.  F.  Spreng,  Erie  Conf.;  J.  Wales,  to 

394 


CREDENTIALS  VOTED  TO  OTHER  CONFERENCES 

Mich.  Conf . ;  O.  L.  Markman  to  M.  E.  1906,  to  E.  E.  Werner,  M.  E. 
1907,  S.  I.  Zechiel  to  Kans.  Conf.  1908,  to  L.  J.  Ehrhardt  to  Texas 
Conf. ;  A.  Riemenschneider  to  111.  Conf.,  and  E.  R.  Baker  to  Ohio 
Conf.  1910,  to  S.  J.  Luehring  to  Cal.  Conf.  1912,  to  H.  Cocker 
to  Wash.  Conf.,  and  C.  D.  Rarey  again,  to  M.  E.  Church,  Wash. ; 
M.  W.  Strahler  to  Presbyterian  Church.  1913,  to  T.  J.  Russell  to 
M.  E.  Church;  to  C.  E.  Boyer  to  Presbyterian  Church.  1914,  to 
Geo.  D.  Eastes  to  New  Light  Church.  1915,  G.  A.  Stierle  to  Cal. 
Conf. ;  F.  C.  Stierle,  W.  E.  Weyrick,  M.  E.  Church ;  J.  L.  Speicher 
to  the  U.  B.  Church. 


Errata. 

Page     57 — to  the  list  of  Appointments  after  name  of  F.  Brauer, 
"Wabash-1",  should  be  added. 

Page     93 — 1st  line  under  Wabash  City,  should  read  "Brauer"  in- 
stead of  "Launer". 

Page  118 — the  second  paragraph  should  begin  "While  Pastor  of 
Wabash  Circuit,  he  met  with," 

Page  236 — fourth  line  from  the  bottom  of  page  should  read  "he 
sang  with  the  newly  organized  Conf.  Quartette". 

Page  237 — first  line,  should  begin,  "get  to  sing  with  it,  except  at 
this  first  session". 

Page     97 — under   Itinerant   Deacons,   item   number   6,   should   be 
transferred  to  list  of  Local  Deacons. 


395 


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